A memorial to Laser (Fels Magic Laser)

The first ever Laser Knockout Pairs Final took place on Wednesday evening at the Dashin' Dogs Summer Show. The weather for once this year was perfect, warm and sunny, but not too hot for the dogs. Judges Dave and Lin Hutchinson had set up a great course, fast and flowing. Antony Johnson and Rae Blythe together with Pauline Southouse and Keith Burgess had drawn the short straw and were the first two pairs. As soon as they started running, everyone realised that it was going to be an exciting final as the course was very fast. Having been knocked out of the first round herself, Jenny Willis wrote this report.

The first round was too soon finished and the second round was quickly done. We were now into the quarter finals. The first two pairs on the line were Hannah Cook and Bob Sharpe and Wendy and Allan Wright. An elimination for Wendy and Allan meant that Hannah and Bob were through. Next up were Helen and Andy Brown against Lee Gibson and Rebecca Costello. Again another elimination meant that Helen and Andy won.

Marc Saunders/Leah Gardner then faced Howard Weston and Lorraine Walchester. An unfortunate 5 faults for Lorraine and Howard allowed Marc and Leah to continue.

Last of the quarter finals was Carole Faragher and Heather Bowker against Gemma Hanekom and Laura Oaks. An elimination again meant that Carole and Heather made their journey from the Isle of Man worthwhile as they were through to the semi final.

The pressure was really building and with all the excitement dogs and handlers were making mistakes.  The semi final kicked off with Hannah and Bob against Helen and Andy. A couple of unlucky faults for Andy and Helen meant they could not compete against another clear from Hannah and Bob who were then through to the final. Next to go were Marc and Leah against Carole and Heather. An unlucky 5 faults meant that the clear round from Marc and Leah took them into the final.

The final was looking to be a very close competition with both pairs having had clear rounds for the last three runs.  It proved to be the case as both pairs went clear, almost finishing together. The times were 21.44 seconds against 21.68 sec, with the winning trophy going to Hannah Cook and Bob Sharpe.

Thank you
Congratulations to all the competitors for making the final such a great event and many thanks to Dave and Lin for such a super course. I would like to thank Emma and Nigel Davis, without whose support we could not have held the final. I would also like to thank all the kind people who helped on the evening.

The Laser Knockout Pairs is a 'fun' competition, sponsored by Blair and Jenny Willis in memory of Laser (Fels Magic Laser) who really loved competing in the knockout pairs competitions. The class is open only to Large dogs which are eligible to compete at Large Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. It started in 2006. Jenny and Blair are pleased to say that the competition will continue next year.

The results of the 2006 Final, run in 2007, are below.

Results

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