Reporter Shawn McAvinue asks triallists at the Taieri Collie Club 80th annual trial in Lee Stream if it is a concern when a southern club goes into recess, as an opportunity to gain points to qualify for championships is lost.
Eion Herbert, of Moeraki ... "In the area I’m in, you can get to most trials within two or three hours, so you travel a bit further. It is an issue but it is not the end of the world."
Ethan Smith, of Paerau ... "Not really because, at the end of the day, the good dogs will always come through anyway but it is sad to see these dog trial clubs go into recess."
John Macdonald, of Roxburgh ... "No, if you are good enough you’ll get them anyway so it’s not a problem. You might have to travel into Canterbury if you are one short but really if you are struggling to get points you’re wasting your time going to a championship anyway."
Roger Sellars, of Owaka ... "Yes it is. It is an opportunity lost to get points. There is not that many clubs in Southland so those guys already have to travel a bit further to try and qualify their dogs."
Stew Dalzell, of Oxford ... "No, ... the bigger concern is how losing a social event impacts a community. Once you lose a club you can’t get it back. And sheep are getting harder to get hold of. Our club’s course is on a dairy farm so I have to take sheep from my place, which is an hour and a-half away."
Chris Boys, of Dunedin ... "It is a concern for those wanting points because a lot of triallists are travelling on a circuit. Trials were cancelled in Canterbury last year because of the dry and Millers Flat postponed due to rain, so lots of things can come into it."
