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Wiveliscombe
Ringcraft Club’s 8th Annual Supermatch
Wiveliscombe
Ringcraft Club held its eighth annual Supermatch in very pleasant
surroundings at the Bridgwater Sports and Social Club on Saturday
11 January. The event is contested by 14 Canine Societies, who
from their own competitions send forward one adult dog and one
puppy to this grand final. Splendidly organised by the Hon Secretary
Sally Wyatt and her Committee, the title Supermatch is well
deserved.
Unfortunately the judge designated was unable to complete her
journey, I was therefore pleased to accept the invitation to
be the replacement judge.
The event began with a parade of qualifiers, each introduced
with a brief breed history ably given by Susan Cottrell, all
seven groups were represented among the high quality dogs present,
all behaved immaculately as they did throughout the evening.
Some contestants had a round trip exceeding 150 miles, the heat
winners originating from the Bristol area to Plymouth and many
places in between.
Winning the puppy competition was the super Papillon Serenglade
Wings of Victory for Inixia owned by Mrs S Stanbury, qualifying
from the Exeter and County CS event. A quite delightful dog
so full of life who used his magnificent ears beautifully. Pressed
hard by the runner-up Mr M Masters’ Cocker Spaniel Manchela
Evergreen, another high quality youngster so soundly constructed,
who, won the Taunton & DCA qualifier.
Top Adult and BIM was the Whippet Arjuna Joie de Vivre, owned
by Ms L Clarke who qualified from the Plymouth & DCS round
- besides having all the attributes you expect of the breed
never put a foot wrong all night. Again pressed hard by the
runner up Mrs L Smith’s Siberian Husky Nairebis Astra Khan
who came from the Okehampton & DCS round. Strongly but not
heavily built exuded all the grace coupled with power that the
breed is renowned for, remained alert at all times, super specimen.
As well as the perpetual trophies generous prize money and superb
rosettes had been individually sponsored and substantial food
prizes given by Roger Skinner Ltd and James Wellbeloved.
My particular thanks to Rodney Wyatt the Steward in the ring
and Tim Lewis and Doug Richardson who organised the faultless
flow of competitors, also to the President Arthur Fisher for
his work and kind words.
The event concluded with an excellent four-course meal in convivial
company and during the meal we were able to view the photographs
of the event taken by Norman Thompson. An altogether memorable
evening. My thanks to the competitors and officials alike.
John Steel
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