WELL-bred rams showing quality, style and all characteristics of the breed were in keen demand and proved easiest to sell at North West Auctions' show and sale of Rough Fell breeding rams at J36 Rual Auction Centre, where the sale met an 89% clearance and a total of thirteen rams broke the 1000gns bracket

While commercial rams met a more selective trade, it was a good day for MJ and JD Handley, Sedbergh, when they sold the top price ram at 5000gns and the next two top priced lots.

Sale leader at 5000gns was the shearling Catholes Bonny which sold to Steven and Wendy Dickinson, Tebay, while MP and A Capstick, Kirkby Stephen paid 4800gns for a similar bred ram. The latter, at 4000gns was Catholes Bullet which sold to Kieran Milburn, Sedbergh.

Matching that 4000gns price tag was High Cark Bonsai from IJ and M Mallinson, Selside, which was knocked down to TD, ME and GE Todd, Sedbergh, while a further two rams sold in excess of 4000gns.

A new breed record was set for a senior ram when Galloper Park, the first prize aged ram from the MP and A Capstick, sold for 2200gns when purchased by AJ and CM Harrison, Kentmere. Almost financing that transaction, the Capsticks received 1800gns for the pre-sale show champion which was snapped up by A and H Watson, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Reserve champion was a shearling ram, High Woodend Bkari from Steven and Wendy Dickinson, Tebay, which made 400gns to RH Thexton, Sedbergh.

In all, shearling rams averaged £487; ram lambs levelled at £205 and aged rams cashed in at £385.

LEADINGawards:

Shearling ram (owner under 18 years of age) – 1, High Lane Barabas, RJ Capstrick, High Lane, 1200gns; 2, High Cark Breeze, L Mallinson, Borrow Bridge House, 200gns; 3, Birkhaw Bonis, F and L Hoggarth, Birkhaw, 250gns.

Shearling ram (under 50 sheep) – 1 and reserve champion, High Woodend Bkari, S and W Dickinson, High Woodend, 400gns; 2, Birchwood Braveheart, WE Moore, New House Farm, 1000gns; 3, Ellergill Bruce, RA Steadman, Ellergill, 150gns.

Shearling ram (over 50 sheep) – 1 and champion, Brownber Bullet Proof, MP and A Capstick, High Lane, 1800gns; 2, Raisgill Hall Beast, FB Dunning and Son, Raisgill Hall, 420gns; 3, Birkhaw Bright, P and S Hoggarth, Birkhaw, 240gns.

Aged ram (open) – 1, Galloper Park, MP and A Capstick, High Lane, 2200gns; 2, Flakebridge Year, WJ Dawson, Rash Mill, 700gns; 3 and best aged ram, Barguh Watch Me Go, E and K Bland, Cotegill, 400gns.

Ram lamb (open) – 1, K Milburn, High Roans, 200gns; 2, J Hunter, Galloper Park, 200gns; 3, IK Grisedale, Greenmount Farm, 350gns.