Dogs Queensland – State Retrieving Championship

TAMBORINE – 18 AND 19 SEPTEMBER 2021 At the start of this weekend, it seemed quite surreal. We were actually here! Beautiful classic Queensland weather, awesome new trialling grounds and the everpresent threat of a lockdown being announced the night before, gone.

The madness of the year, the drama, the cancellation of the National Retrieving Trial, the reorganising of a thousand things, the pressure, gone. Now just the challenge of pulling off a great event in front of us.

Thankfully, it was all hands on deck once we got going. Our wonderful Chief Steward, Paul took charge with his very trusty sidekicks, Daryl, Greg and Callum. These guys worked there tirelessly for 4 straight days, ably assisted during the weekend by their team of volunteers on guns and throwers.

Friday night saw most of the competitors come together in excited anticipation, a few drinks (not many), lots of sausages and lots of laughs.

Saturday saw a beautiful clear sky over the calming lake we were camped beside and a real buzz in the air.

The anticipation was palpable, the bacon and eggs were delicious, the team on point and handlers more nervous than I have seen in a couple of years.

The weekend proceeded like clockwork thanks to the excellent preparation by the Judges – Ron Jackson and Anthony Turner, and the stewards.

The surviving warriors returned to the campsite to await the Judges decision. Thankfully, almost everyone involved in the weekend was able to be there to witness the celebrations and congratulate the placegetters. Well done!

The Ladies buzzed around getting the scene set with nibbles and trophies presented beautifully, whilst my two secretaries, Nikki and Carol, having much neater handwriting than me, set about writing out the winner’s names upon the copious amounts of certificates.

Our winning dog, Mr Richard Eaton Wells’ black Labrador Retriever, Tirnanoge Black Gem, achieved her Retrieving Trial Champion Title. This was the first win in an All Age or Championship for this young dog – an amazing achievement.

The Dogs Queensland Retrieving and Field Trial SubCommittee thanks all involved.

2021 Queensland State Retreiving Championship Results