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The International Team Event for Pointers On Grouse to celebrate The Pointer Club's 50th Anniversary
Took place on Monday 16th August 2010 on the Balmoral Estate by kind permission of Her Majesty The Queen

Teams representing England, Ireland and Scotland each consisting of four pointers and handlers competed under Kennel Club Field Trial Regulations. The event was run as a walked up shooting day on Grouse and judged by two well respected people in the shooting and Field Trial world – Mrs Patricia Wood and Mr Billy Darragh. The Guns and Retrievers were kindly provided by Balmoral Estate.

The England Team

• Terry Harris (Captain) - Ft Ch Sparkfield Warrior Hayle, Cornwall
• Carole Martin - Crahan Diamond, Redruth Cornwall
• Lee Cooper  - Newton Lois at Goddrib, Wakefield , Yorkshire
• David Hall - Gerensary Cupid, Canterbury, Kent

The Ireland Team

• James Dalton (Captain) -  Int. F.T Ch. Lagopus Yorkie
• Laurence McAlister  -  F.T.Ch. Halkirk Heather
• lan Neill   -   Eagleshadow Winnies Boy  

                           Papermill Flashman

The Scotland Team

• Wilson Young (Captain)   -  F.T.Ch. Fearn Mate of Burncastle
• Richard MacNicol  -   F.T.Ch. Kissing Kate of Gerensary
• Jon Kean   -   Fearn Mist
• Peter O'Driscoll    -    White Lady of Papermill

To exemplify a team event each team ran in braces starting with Ireland, followed by England and then Scotland. The morning proved challenging with changeable wind conditions. However the majority of dogs handled this well and adapted accordingly. There was a good show of grouse and several good finds on coveys complimented this. The dogs stamina, pace and style was tested throughout to confirm their ability on a shooting day.

With a slight temperature drop after lunch and a stronger wind allowed the pointers to show off their ability to the full. A cheek and back wind was used for the majority of the afternoon and the dogs handled it very well. More birds were located with some clever finds. Steadiness was tested on hares on a number of occasions in addition to steadiness to the retrieve exemplifying the shooting day.

A most enjoyable day was had by all and grateful thanks were expressed to Her Majesty The Queen.

A celebration dinner at the Hilton Craigendarraoch followed together with the announcements of the awards.

The conclusion of the event was:
FIRST - England sponsored by Skinner's
SECOND - Ireland sponsored by Red Mills
THIRD -Scotland sponsored by Eskdale Shooting Services
Winning Pointer & Guns Choice –Richard McNicol & FtCh Kissing Kate of Gerensary (Scottish Team)

The team is most grateful for the generosity of Skinner's in sponsoring them and is delighted to have brought home first prize!

Article kindly provided by Carole Martin