|
The
South Yorkshire Hound Society’s
‘Original’ Supermatch 2002
Report by Juliette Cunliffe
2002 was the first year that Hill's Pet Nutrition had sponsored
the South Yorkshire Hound Society's 'Original' Supermatch, the
ever-popular event that began in the 1970s. This year, though,
was very different, for the venue had been changed to the exceedingly
pleasant, spacious and centrally located Stardust venue, which
made for great improvements that were appreciated by all.
Upon arrival parking was easier, and there was plenty of exercise
area for the dogs.
Concerning the competition itself, there was a cool collecting
area for the dogs and the match took place on a very impressive
stage, rather than on the former catwalk, so there was no under-foot
vibration, undoubtedly finding favour with both dogs and exhibitors.
The event's format had been changed too. As usual each exhibit
represented a Society, and several members of each one came
along to give their support. However, unlike former years, the
competition, held on a Match basis, took place before the meal
so that the rest of the evening could be enjoyed to the full.
There was a short break for drinks after the event, followed
by dinner and then an excellent cabaret, closing with a disco
to which people could dance until the early hours of the morning.
As usual, Brian Ballan, one of the event's first organisers,
was commentator, whilst Phil Freer played an important role
as organiser, and President, Barry Cotterill, presented a cheque
for £500 to The Lord Kirkham for the Kennel Club's Charitable
Trust.
Sponsorship was again very generous indeed with Hill's Pet Nutrition
giving rosettes, crystal and food, including a year's supply
of the latter for the lucky winner! Stuart Mallard, that remarkable
artist who is such a great character, had again done a splendid
painting of last year's winner, Rodale Ranger, and it fell to
Marita Rogers to present the winning GSP's owners, Des Hodgkinson
and Joyce Whiting, with the Karrylite trophy. Laser Lites also
sponsored all major winners and Our Dogs offered a Colour TV
as a raffle prize with a year's subscription to Our Dogs for
the winner of the Match. Indeed the winner has no excuse not
to keep up with news in the canine world, for Dog World also
gave a year's subscription, as well as a £5 voucher to
each contestant.
This year's judge was Pedro Albergaria who hailed from Portugal
where he is Vice President of the Portuguese Kennel Club. He
holds impressive positions within Portugal's canine world and
for over ten years has been an FCI judge for the Toy and Pastoral
Groups, as well as judging some breeds in the Utility and Working
groups. He has judged in many countries, including at the World
Show in 2001 and his own interest as a breeder lies with Pekingese
and Portuguese Sheepdogs.
With each pair of dogs being judged one against the other, and
a winner declared, there was also an opportunity for the 'losers'
to compete again. From them Mrs D Walton's Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeen, Crynliss Aussi at Tanger was declared Best Beaten Finalist,
undoubtedly making Mountsorrel DCS deservedly proud.
Judge Pedro Albergaria narrowed his winners down to just three,
placing in third position the Walden family's Newfoundland,
Joalta The Constellation, who made a fine representative for
Burton-on-Trent. The Supermatch Runner Up was won by a German
Shorthaired Pointer representing Mansfield DCS. This was the
Hallam's Lipplinger Nene who was taken back by his breeder having
been found in a shed in miserable condition. It just goes to
show how the correct care and attention can reap rewards for
all concerned.
But now to the winner which hailed from Grantham DCS. This was
Mrs A J Bailey's Maltese, Ilonas Afternoon Delight at Mariposa
who received warm and spontaneous applause from a very happy
and supportive audience.
After the meal, exhibitors and supporters enjoyed a thoroughly
entertaining and well-chosen cabaret, and when the microphone
was handed to Lord Kirkham he thrilled the entire room by singing
Ave Maria, in a voice many thought not dissimilar to that of
Elvis Presley. Indeed this is a man of many talents! And so
the evening drew slowly to a close, with many letting their
hair down and dancing in gay abandon into the wee small hours,
a feature of this event that I doubt will ever change.
|
