Welsh Team at OJAC

Well last weekend was OJAC with the girls and dogs representing the Welsh junior agility team.  A long drive to Cambridgeshire, and we managed a stop en route to visit Carol with Libby (Trio's daughter).  Was lovely to see them both, we hadn't managed to meet up since August when Libby qualified for Crufts at Paignton champ show.  As I'm due to handle her this weekend I thought that it might be a good opportunity to have a bit of a practice.  Considering how excited she was to see us she managed to stand quite well and hope that this is a good omen for Crufts this weekend.

OJAC started bright and early on the Saturday morning with the opening ceremony at 7.30 am!  It was great to see all the countries kitted out and flying their flags, banners etc there really was a fantastic atmosphere.

Saturday was the day of the jumping rounds for both teams and individuals, both girls were in the Over 12 team.  In the morning Tasha managed a clear with Maddie, and Eleanor was sadly eliminated.  Later in the day the girls had individual runs and Eleanor ran in the Under 12s and having a bit more confidence picked up a few faults but was thrilled with her round.  Tasha then had her run again with Maddie to pick up another clear round.  The final scores for the day saw their team 12th out of 29, a fantastic result!

Sunday again was an early start with course walking at 7.45 am!  Again the team runs were in the morning and the girls were in the same teams of O12s.  Eleanor was really growing in confidence and just picked up a few faults but there were some fantastic bits of work from her and Tilly.  Again Tasha managed a clear round!  Later on in the day they had their individual runs, Eleanor managed her first clear round of the event with Tilly in the U12s!  Sadly Tasha was caught out and Maddie got a bit full of herself and decided on jumping an extra jump at the beginning of the course resulting in an elimination.  Silly dog that she is, she then managed to get right the difficult bits of the course, but that's agility for you!

The girls had such a fantastic experience, the team spirit was fantastic and their was no pressure other than to go out and do their best and have fun!  They all looked great in their Welsh strip, and on the Sunday afternoon swopped tops with members of the Irish team members!  Huge thanks to Martin Cavill and Emma Haines who coached and managed the team.  Also thanks to Genesis dog food who kindly donated samples of their dog food - the dogs have really enjoyed this!

The team finished 11th on Sunday, moving up one place.  Individually Tasha was highly placed, but the final results haven't yet been published.  They both came away with a certificate and rosette from the event and hope to make the team again next year.

Now to think about Crufts!