The United Retriever Club promotes the breeding, showing and working of all breeds of retriever

In total contrast to the Area Finals in 2006, rain was forecast throughout the day. Indeed torrential rain swept up from the south west heading north and further storms developed in the south east; however we were geographically in between these two areas of the country and by a miracle only had one small shower just after lunch. Indeed the weather, cloudy and grey, plus the fact that most of the tests were set in woodland, made it very comfortable for dogs and handlers alike.
We were fortunate to be the guests of Sir George Meyrick, on the beautiful Hinton Estate and Dave England and his team had set six varied and challenging tests, making full use of woodland, grassland and ponds. The judges who had the unenviable task of sorting out the dogs in these lovely surroundings were Judy Rainey, Graham Roberts and Ron Jeffery.
Of the six tests, four were worked as a team and on two each dog went forward individually. All the tests had "bunkers" for the dogs and handlers to negociate and gave the team captains food for thought when decisions had to be made about which dog should take which retrieve. Good decision making proved vital in one of the tests in the afternoon where 20 bonus points were available for an extra retrieve.
Three tests were run in the morning, then we broke for lunch, a hog roast in the barn, where, to add a touch of class, tables were set with white linen cloths, each with a flower arrangement in the centre. At the conclusion of the tests we all enjoyed tea and an array of homemade cakes while the marks were totted up.
We were delighted that the land agent Tim Malpas, the farm manager Peter Bailey, whose wife Nancy presented the prizes, and the Gamekeeper Norman Pratt, joined us during the day. The battle for first place was closely contested by the host Area and Border Counties, with Hampshire winning by 6 points; however the top individual award went to Border Counties, with Simon Fowler's Golden dog only dropping 2 points out of a possible 140.
Our generous sponsors were Squires and Beaumont dog foods, Lambs of Ringwood and Lambert and Wilshire Gunsmiths. Thanks must also go to everyone who donated items for the raffle.

The host for the Area Finals 2008 will be the Lincolnshire Area