Isisford's showstopper

THE Isisford Sheep Show committee put on a great day for the Central West last weekend, with compeitors and spectators coming from all around the region to share in the activities.

The day was packed with the dog trials, ute competition, kids' poetry slam, Flock Ewe selection, Junior Judging and Stockhorse Workout, among other events, all vying for their share of audience attention.

"We had a great day, although initially we were a bit worried about all the other events happening around the West drawing from our competitor base," said Show secretary Clare Paterson.

"But we have a wonderful community around Isisford and surrounds and they all came to support the Show."

The Stockhorse Workout provided great entertainment with a strong field of competitors doing their best to outshine one another in a series of challenges.

Robert Paterson was buoyed to claim the Junior title, while Katherine Neal deftly managed to edge out Trish Maxwell and Sean Morton in the Beginner's comp.

Lauren Tindall on Avon Flo Jo became the Novice section winners by working together to their best capacity, while Paula Dean and her mount Clovelly Tradition exerted their seniority in the field and were awarded first place in the Open event.

In the wool section events, 'Oma' took out the Single Ewe/Wether fine fleece while 'Bloomfield' scooped both the medium and strong fleece categories, and later claimed the Grand Champion fleece of the show..
'Benalla' showed its class when awarded with the Pair of Ewes/Wether fleeces in both the fine and medium sections as well the first in the Hogget fleece.

"Barcaldine Downs' also displayed their industry expertise by taking home the Champion stud fleece of the show.

In the dog trials Bruce Godfrey and his dogs worked hard against Rex Johnson's and Mick Rigby's charges, eventually winning the novice and open categories and the fastest time of the day.

Bruce's dog Roo also impressed the crowds during time away from the sheep by jumping a mammoth eight feet and six inches to win the dog's high jump.

With due excellence, the Isisford Sheep Show committee made sure the crowd were well-watered during the day - and night - with 'a top night out' being validated by a few sore heads on Sunday morning.