An exceptionally good drive on ground that was hard to assess, gave Ross Henderson’s Jude the edge over a closely packed list at Carsphairn.

Big strong Scotch Mules were tricky in the morning, but improved later in the day, while bumps and hollows on the first leg of the drive made it hard to judge whether the sheep were fully through the gate or still en route.

Jude (RB Henderson’s Glen, D Wallace’s Jen) ran out clean to the top and although he had minor faults on the lift and fetch, his drive was exceptionally good for the standard of the day. Jude went behind his sheep and pushed them confidently round the course. A good pen and clean shed confirmed his lead over the field.

Sandy McCulloch Sam (A Lehtio’s Coel, BJ Bowen’s Pat) worked well outbye, had a good drive with minor wavers, penned his sheep and finished his run with a clean shed and second place.

Again, Ian McMillan’s Kim (DK Evans’ Derwen Doug, J Wheaton’s Sal) worked well outbye, but her drive was not so smooth, by any means, although she got both gates. Ian finished his run with another of his admirable penning and shedding demonstrations, a point behind Sam.

Two remarkably similar runs took first and second places at Cashlie, where good Cheviot hoggs ran well on a flat, haugh field and generally only played up at the pen. For the leaders, the pen was no problem, but putting four sheep through the first drive gate was not so simple.

Peter Martin’s Daisy (D Naylor’s Straid Moss, P Martin’s Jill) ran out and lifted cleanly and had a good fetch, but on the drive away, one hogg slipped by the gate. The cross drive went well and Daisy walked her sheep into the pen then completed the winning run with a good shed.

Kevin Howlett’s Rob (K Howlett’s Yellowhill Jock and Fly) followed that pattern, with good outbye work, followed by one slipping the first drive gate. Rob soon recovered with a good cross drive and pen, but a slightly untidy shed put him a point behind Daisy, and into second place.

LEADING awards

Carsphairn (Judge: C Davidson, Sandbank). Open – 67 ran – 1, R Henderson’s Jude, Crawford, 92; 2, A McCulloch’s Sam, Dalmellington, 88; 3, I McMillan’s Kim, Newton Stewart, 87; 4, B Welsh’s Bob, Moniaive, 86; 5, W Welsh’s Cap, Dalcairney, 85; 6, S McCrindle’s Zac, Stranraer, 83; 7, C Darwent’s Dot, Dumfries House, 82; 8, D Robertson’s Derwen Roy, Langholm, 81; 9, K Keith’s Foinaven Skye, Durness, 79.

Cashlie (Judge: A MacDiarmid, Strachur). Open – 32 ran – 1, P Martin’s Daisy, Glenlyon, 91; 2, K Howlett’s Rob, Glenartney, 90; 3, SL Davidson’s Dan, Sandbank, 87 Outbye; 4, M Davidson’s Angus, Lilburn, 87; 5, AD Carnegie’s Gwen, Comrie, 86; 6, SL Davidson’s Jack, Sandbank, 81;

Raise Lodge (Judge: L de Ravel, Wigton). Open – 53 ran – 1, D Robertson’s Derwen Roy, Langholm, 94; 2, S Duckworth’s Mirk, Haslingden, 93 outbye; 3, H Svobodova’s Tray, Hallbankgate, 93; 4, S Duckworth’s Fleet, Haslingden, 92; 5, D Aitken’s Tweeddale Viki, Peebles, 90; 6, G Fearon’s Dougie, Keswick, 88.

Northumberland League

Gallowshaw I (Judge: W Armstrong, Bamburgh). Open – 39 ran – 1, M Davidson’s Angus, Lilburn, 87; 2, C Balmbro’s Liz, Wooler, 86; 3, C Cassie’s Pip, Lancs, 85; 4, B Jordan’s, Bozo, Whitfield, 83; 5, JJ Pattinson’s Boo, Roman Wall, 81; 6, R MacRae’s Oats, Netherwitton, 76.

Gallowshaw II (Judge: M Day, Alwinton) Open – 39 ran – 1, C Balmbro’s Liz, Wooler,79; 2, D Henderson’s Jewel, Allendale,74; 3, P Martin’s Daisy, Glenlyon,71; 4, M Davidson’s Heather, Lilburn, 68; 5, D Henderson’s Burndale Mia, Allendale, 66; 6, M Davidson’s Angus, Lilburn, 65 Time.