OPEN trials were held at The Mast' on the Crosthwaite road, Kendal at the weekend where Lynn Brown and Joan Hutchinson's Sandy Bay put in a couple of eye-catching performances, writes Lynn Pawley.

The Barrow-based youngster, which was bred by Tanist out of True Colours, finished ahead of Bob Johnstone's Eden Rook (Morse Eden Ruby) and Stan Heywood and Reg Smith's Another Go (Crackerjack Liam's Lady) on Saturday.

Twenty-four hours later, the bitch hound put in a good effort and came home well clear of its four rivals in a time of 7min 5sec.

The others made it to the final wall on the finish, but unfortunately struck the scent the wrong way and returned to the start.

The kennel completed a winning double on Sunday when Tiger Bay led in the seven senior runners.

The four-year-old came with a strong run in the final stages to overhaul Bob Johnstone's Eden Rover.

Graham, Jeanette and Nathan Thornton's Grange Scar was third and the winner clocked 6:20 .

Tiger Bay and Eden Rover had also figured prominently on Saturday, but found one better in Joe and Vanessa Simpson's Hollywood.

The Kendal-based two-year-old finished well and took full advantage when the two leading hounds ran off close home.

Sixteen hounds took part and the time was 6:24.

Sunday's planned trials at Coniston Tops were cancelled due to the snow and frost, but it is hoped that they will go ahead this weekend at 2.30pm, weather permitting.

The distinction of breeding the first reported litter of puppies in 2003 goes to Stanley and Carole Jackson of Rosthwaite.

Their seven-year-old bitch Eternal was mated with Christine Brownlee's Milan and it had a litter of nine puppies of January 2. Of the nine, six are dogs and three are bitches.

n Keswick Area presentation evening is to be held at Keswick Labour Club on Friday, January 31. Tickets are available from Christine Brownlee (01768-777234) or Carole Jackson (01768-777677).

January 10, 2003 11:02