IT was the champion that went on to top C and D Auction Marts' 'Border Breeds' sale of in-lamb females and ewe hoggs at Longtown on Tuesday night, when the gimmer from the Wardens at Skelfill realised £750.

Sired by Cnewr Ambassador, the South Country Cheviot gimmer was scanned for twins to the £7500 Stirkfield Zoltan, and was knocked down to the judge, Sid Anderson, of Easter Alemoor, Hawick, for that top price of £750.

Stirling with the Southies and the reserve champion attracted the second highest breed bid of £450 when sold to Messrs Weir for their Mainside flock. That was a two-crop ewe by Catslack President from the Common family's Crossdykes flock. She changed hands in lamb to a Becks sire.

At £420, Messrs Irving sold a gimmer from their Mount Benger flock to Messrs Jackson, Cossar Hill. Sired by Becks Legend, she was in lamb to a son of Stirkfield Quattro.

The North Country Cheviot entry was topped by park ewes at £500 twice. The first of these, which sold to Mr Drew, Glaisdale, Whitby, was a two-crop ewe from Messrs King, Gospel Hall. In lamb to Shoestanes Sandy, she is by Carruthers Mickdundee.

At the same price, Keith Stones travelled from Richmond, North Yorkshire, to sell his two-crop ewe from the Nun Cote Nook flock to Messrs Potter, The Park, Penrith. Sired by Allanshaws Nutter, she was served by Hownam Grange Muscle Man.