0:00:02 > 0:00:05We've 12 top handlers and their champion dogs anxiously waiting to complete.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08The sun is shining, the course is set and this year,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11we even have a royal castle as a backdrop.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Welcome to One Man And His Dog 2011.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38A warm welcome from Balmoral Castle and a very special One Man And His Dog.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40This year is our 35th anniversary.
0:00:40 > 0:00:4435 years on the BBC and so we couldn't think of a better place
0:00:44 > 0:00:47to host this year's competition than the grounds of Balmoral,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50the Scottish home of the Royal family.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52As usual, this year we've four countries competing,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58We have three challenging courses to test the nerve
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and the skill of our handlers and, of course, the dogs.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04First of all, we've got young handlers, all of which are under 18.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Then we move on to the brace which is one man and two dogs.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Then we've a round, the singles round, it's one man, one dog,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12but two flocks of sheep.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Well, the man with all the knowledge is, of course, Gus Dermody,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17who set this course.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Gus, not only did you set it, you've had a go of it. What are your predictions?
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Well, it's a little bit smaller than usual but it's difficult.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26It really is difficult.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28And maybe Scotland have got a slight advantage.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31They're on their home territory but we're also using
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- Scottish Blackface sheep which can be a little bit stroppy. - They can be feisty.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39We're going to start with the young handlers and we don't make things easy for them.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44That's why we're putting them on first. Let's have a look and see what's on store for them.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47So, here's the course and it's worth a possible 100 points.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48To start, five sheep are set
0:01:48 > 0:01:50at the lift post at the far end of the course
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and heading in the direction of the castle, the handler sends
0:01:53 > 0:01:57their dog out on either a right or a left outrun to reach the sheep.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00There's a possible 20 points here.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Then the dog approaches the sheep and moves them
0:02:02 > 0:02:04gently back towards the handler.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07That's the lift and it's worth 10 points.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10There's 20 points up for grabs with the fetch that all the sheep
0:02:10 > 0:02:12must go through the fetch gates
0:02:12 > 0:02:15and the handler must remain at the post to get maximum points.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Next, it's the drive, hugely important
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and worth a possible 30 points.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23The dog needs to keep the sheep moving at a steady pace here
0:02:23 > 0:02:26so they don't miss the drive gates. It'll be points lost if they do.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29The drive ends when the sheep into the shedding ring
0:02:29 > 0:02:32and this is one of the many places where it can all go wrong.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Here, any two sheep can be shed off and the dog must hold them
0:02:36 > 0:02:39until the judges are satisfied for a maximum of 10 points.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42For a final 10 points, all five sheep must be penned
0:02:42 > 0:02:44and the gate closed.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47The whole course must be completed within 12 minutes
0:02:47 > 0:02:49for maximum points.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I'm not the only one with a pretty good seat in the house.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Our judges Arthur Roberts
0:02:55 > 0:02:58and Barra O'Brien have a pretty good spot too and we've raised them up
0:02:58 > 0:03:01above the course so that nothing can escape their expert eyes.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Earlier on, we did a draw to see
0:03:03 > 0:03:07who would be the first competitor of our 2011 competition
0:03:07 > 0:03:11and it turns out it's ladies first, Susan Venney from Ireland.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18My name's Susan Venney. I come from Ros Glas in County Down
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and this year I'll be running Jill in the competition.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26It's an honour to be completing with Frankie and Sammy.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Here in Ros Glas, we're situated at the coast of County Down
0:03:33 > 0:03:35and we can see the mountains.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Our farm has been in the family for generations.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41It's a beef and sheep farm.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45It consists of Limousin cows and Suffolk Cheviot cross sheep.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Jill is a quite, good-natured dog and she was bred
0:03:47 > 0:03:51out of Frankie McCullough's craig and I've had her since a pup.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Away.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I learned how to handle my dog from Frankie and when I go to trials,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01I constantly watched the experienced handlers to learn more tips.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04I'm the only female competing in this year's One Man And His Dog.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07I'm very honoured to be representing my country
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and I hope we can show that women can do a good job.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Doing it for the girls then, 16-year-old Susan Venney
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and three-year-old Jill.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18Jill, here. Jill.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23Now this is interesting because Jill, from that lower position, couldn't see the sheep.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27I wonder if she can clap eyes on them in this position.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30She might be able to. I don't know but that was good. I like that.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- Absolutely allowed. - Yes, oh, yes. And away she goes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39There you can see our head of sheep, Malcolm, with his dog,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41just holding the sheep at the end.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- Good start and that's the first worry over.- Beautifully done.- Yes.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49We're looking for that 12 o'clock position
0:04:49 > 0:04:51and she absolutely nailed it there.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54And the dog is responding to every whistle that she gives,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56left and right.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01The sheep are coming up rather fast now and she needs to push them
0:05:01 > 0:05:04further over towards the gates. Two have slipped.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Full marks for the outrun, full marks for the lift
0:05:10 > 0:05:12but these sheep are going at some pace here.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Yes, they're zigzagging a little bit and they've not turned.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18She didn't get them all through the fetch gates
0:05:18 > 0:05:20so there'll be points lost there.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22She's been given 12 out 20 for the fetch.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28She's got to go straight down the field towards those gates
0:05:28 > 0:05:31in the middle of the field itself.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36And they don't want to go straight, these Blackfaced sometimes,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39on the drive. You can see they're going left and right.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Anything but go in a straight line.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42It's going to be points lost,
0:05:42 > 0:05:47but Susan is doing her best to try and keep them on line.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01That's better. That's better. And through they go but what a struggle.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05The judges will be knocking some points off there unfortunately.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09This is the bit that Susan is a little bit concerned about,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13this pull through. She's only ever done it once before and the sheep
0:06:13 > 0:06:16are going like the clappers here. Two have missed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Come by, lie down.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22And again, they're coming at a pace
0:06:22 > 0:06:26so the little dog has got to come round and head the sheep.
0:06:28 > 0:06:3121 points for the drive.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32So at the shed,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Susan has to get Jill to separate two of the sheep from these five.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40It's worth thinking about these sheep
0:06:40 > 0:06:41out on these vast highland moors
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and what have you and confined spaces aren't really their thing.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48There may be a chance here, may be an opportunity.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Yeah, it's looking for that natural gap. She might have one there.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Yes, there's a chance coming now.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The dog is waiting to be called in. Here's the opportunity coming.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03We've got two off on the right but she's going for the back two.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Oh, I like it! But the judges, I don't think they'll accept that.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Didn't hear a shout come because whilst she almost held them,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15she didn't actually come through and hold them away from the other three.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18She's got to do it again.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Now, here we go, here we go! The dog has come.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- And the judges have accepted it. - Super job there. Well done, Susan.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Four awarded for the shed so six lost.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35She's got to go ever so careful here.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40I hope that they don't nip down on either Jill's side.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Susan looking after her side.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Come by. Lie down.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Now then, she's in with a chance. - There's one having a look there.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Yes, that was the one that spun around before.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55It's gone to the back again. Now it's just might lead them in.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59It's coming down the far side. It's over now on Susan's side to our left
0:07:59 > 0:08:01but looking back at the dog.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Jill waiting for the command. Here we go. This looks like...
0:08:05 > 0:08:09the others are going to follow. That's it, Susan shaking the rope
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and that's just enough to get them in and complete the first round.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Nine points awarded for the pens
0:08:15 > 0:08:18and let's see what that does to the overall score.
0:08:18 > 0:08:2176 out of 100 for Susan and Jill.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26Relieved it's over.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I think Jill done well getting the sheep to the top
0:08:29 > 0:08:32because there was a bit of a hollow in the field but disappointed
0:08:32 > 0:08:35with her missing the sheep in the gates but overall good.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Our next competitor isn't just a promising young handler,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42he's also a keen sportsman. Obviously trying to get a win today
0:08:42 > 0:08:46and put the brakes on the these sheep that don't want to hang around.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It's Llion Harries for Wales, with his dog, Bess.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56My name's Llion Harries. I'm from Crymych, which is in north Pembrokeshire
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and in this year's competition I'm running Bess.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I live on the family farm.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04It's 190 acres,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07rolling countryside, and it's close to the Preseli mountains.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Bess is a great dog.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11She's very friendly,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14she's very skilful, and she's very, very fast.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Come by.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21She is a champion and her mother was,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and this is the reason why she's so good
0:09:24 > 0:09:26because she's got a really good pedigree.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31When I'm not on the farm or not in school
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I enjoy playing rugby.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37I play with my local team which are Crymych and I play on the wing.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I'm very excited to be competing on One Man & His Dog
0:09:43 > 0:09:46because I've been watching this series so much on TV,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48and I can't believe that I'm doing it now.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Well, this obviously means a lot to Llion here,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54and what a place to step out
0:09:54 > 0:09:58for the first time on One Man & His Dog, in front of Balmoral Castle.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Llion is 15. Here he is with his two-year-old dog, Bess.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Opting to go off to the left.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12I think we should point out here that each competitor
0:10:12 > 0:10:15gets a new flock of sheep, so everyone's got the same chance.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17That's nice.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19WHISTLES
0:10:19 > 0:10:20He's managing quite well,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23just stopped a little bit short at the end of the outrun
0:10:23 > 0:10:25and so lost a couple of points.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Two points lost for the outrun
0:10:27 > 0:10:30but a full 10 points for the lift.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31But he is doing well,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34got them nicely balanced right through the middle of the fetch.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Beautiful.- And the pace is good.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37WHISTLES
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Get up.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43So switching to voice commands here.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45As he sheep round Llion.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Well, I am impressed, up to now.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54And as you were saying, Gus,
0:10:54 > 0:10:58eight months into his training it's remarkable.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Tremendous.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Three points lost on the fetch.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03WHISTLES
0:11:03 > 0:11:07He's got them lined up now for the first set of drive gates.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Well, look at this. This is a brilliant, brilliant performance.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Yes, he is doing a good job here. He's had a better line
0:11:19 > 0:11:22down the first leg of the drive than Susan.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26He's doing well. Now he has got to turn them on to the crossdrive.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27The sheep are quite steady,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29well bunched together.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Maybe he should've turned a little bit sooner
0:11:31 > 0:11:34so the judges might be penalising him here.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37It's a very difficult manoeuvre, this one.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39It's quite deceptive.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42WHISTLES
0:11:42 > 0:11:46But they're going a bit to the side of the gates, he's covered that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Will they go through?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Yes. Nicely through and so steady.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52So steady.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Well, they haven't missed an obstacle yet.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57They're coming towards the ring.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59And into the shedding ring they come.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Get up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Llion back on to word commands now.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09Bit of frustration in his face there as he was looking at them.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Get up, get up, get up!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Come by. Come by.
0:12:17 > 0:12:1824 for the drive,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20just 11 points lost so far.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23That is great, and there is a possibility coming in here now
0:12:23 > 0:12:25that he's got the two,
0:12:25 > 0:12:26will he go onto the front two,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28will she go on, will the judges accept it?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Come by.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Yes, the judges have accepted it.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Full marks for the shed, Gus.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Oh, that's great. That's great.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And she gives nice room here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42This is where he's keeping the sheep calm.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Just easing them now. Will she have enough? Will they turn onto it?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51At the moment they are looking the right way.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Don't let them down the side.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55The front ones looking in.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01They're all pointing in the right direction here.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Yes, Bess is doing a good job here.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Well, they're both working well.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10He's got them looking right as you say, in towards the mouth.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13That's it, she's up on her feet again now.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16A little cheeky one at the front there.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18They're just going to...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Don't want to start any stamping, girls, come on!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26This is where you could do with a 12-foot crook.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Yes!- To just help the men.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Just one to go to turn round. - A 12-foot gate!- She is waiting.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35A 12-foot gate would help!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38But no, he's managed it and the gate is shut.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40What a good round for Wales.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41Just one lost
0:13:41 > 0:13:43for the pen there,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45that is a total of 88.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48I tell you what, there will be lots of older handlers out there
0:13:48 > 0:13:52looking from behind their crooks with raised eyebrows.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53I think it went great.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I was a bit more lucky than Susan with the sheep,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59but I think that's really good, one of my best runs ever.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03I was really nervous to start with but I feel great now.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Well, Llion and Bess are going to be a tough act to follow.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10But next up to the podium is a Scottish young handler
0:14:10 > 0:14:12who is celebrating his 14th birthday.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Let's hope he leaves the field with a reason for a double celebration.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24My name is John Ramsay. I come from Glenluce in Dumfries & Galloway.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27I will be running my dog Glen in One Man & His Dog.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33This is a dairy farm here, and I enjoy milking the cows
0:14:33 > 0:14:36and working with the cows down here as well as
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I like working up with the sheep.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44This is Glen, and he's the first dog I ever had.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I got him as a pup just before Christmas,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I've just started working the sheep with him. A lot of people say to me
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I'll never have another one as good as him.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55He's a very loyal dog, he won't work for anybody else.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00And my grandpa, Thompson McKnight,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03he ran a lot of trials and he won lots of cups.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05He judged One Man & His Dog once.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09To run in One Man & His Dog,
0:15:09 > 0:15:14I'm quite nervous, but I know Glen will just do his best for me so that's all I ask from him.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19What an occasion to be celebrating your birthday, Gus.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Isn't it just? Isn't it just?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- Oh, dear.- Dear, oh, dear. That's crossed.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32He started out going to the right then crossed to the left which is not allowed.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33He's put him right now
0:15:33 > 0:15:36but it depends what the judges are going to do.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39And he ended up behind the sheep all right.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44But the lift's good.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48And I like the bit
0:15:48 > 0:15:51where he said this dog never takes a backward step.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54And with that face,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56it's going to be an advantage.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57Both John and Glen
0:15:57 > 0:16:00are used to running these black-faced ewes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05They have 650 of them back on their farm, Just near Glenluce.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Just given one for the outrun. Nine for the lift.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14No doubt it was nerves when he was starting off.
0:16:14 > 0:16:20He just didn't set the dog up right to go off to the right-hand side.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22It's not bothering him now though,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25he's staying on top of the job and he's got these sheep
0:16:25 > 0:16:27under nice control.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Three points lost on the fetch.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Just a little bit zigzaggy now
0:16:36 > 0:16:39as they're going down this first leg of the drive.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42That's better.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45No, it isn't, I spoken to soon! Dear, oh dear.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48You can't have a retry
0:16:48 > 0:16:50at a gate once you have gone past the gate itself,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52so he's got to keep going now.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53WHISTLES
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Lie down!
0:16:57 > 0:17:00You can sense there in the voice that maybe
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Glen is getting a little bit too keen,
0:17:02 > 0:17:03doing his own thing a little bit.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07He's wanting to get round them, not wanting to drive any more.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Oh, and he has come the side of the drive gate.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13So both the gates on the drive have been missed.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17And that will be a lot of points tumbling down.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18He's still trying.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21These sheep are coming up now
0:17:21 > 0:17:22in a good, straight line,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and into the shedding ring.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Sit down. Come by. Sit down.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Nine given for the drive.
0:17:32 > 0:17:339 out of 30.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37He's got these sheep spreading out.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43Look at that. When he has that in, that was a really good shed.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Full marks, of course, for that shed.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Yes, that was good. That was good.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Sit down. Sit down! Come by.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01And it was the authority and the way the dog came through then
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and the confident way that he did it.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05This dog can do it,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08it's just not been his day today.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Sit down, Glen! Sit down.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14Come by. Sit down.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Come on.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Come on, Glen.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Now they're facing in.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Ever so steady.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36One looking round at him,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Glen's just overflanked a little bit
0:18:38 > 0:18:41and the sheep are looking round at him now.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Ever so gently will do it.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I don't think these are going to stamp at Glen,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51because I think they know what he is about and he's done it.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54An efficient pen that, wasn't it?
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Eight points for the pen, lost two there.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01A total of 54 out of a possible 100
0:19:01 > 0:19:04for Scotland, John and Glen.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08When Glen crossed over it was a bit disappointing
0:19:08 > 0:19:10because it's not like him, he's usually very good,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13but when he was out he was looking towards the left
0:19:13 > 0:19:15so maybe I should have changed him.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20After that he got things that together a bit, and ran quite well.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Pleased after that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Well proving to be the trickiest obstacle
0:19:25 > 0:19:27on the course so far are these sets of drive gates,
0:19:27 > 0:19:28and it's this pull three.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32You can see from the handler's perspective it's very difficult
0:19:32 > 0:19:34to see when you turn these five sheep,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37especially if they're going at a good, strong pace,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39but hoping to get England cleanly through
0:19:39 > 0:19:41is the youngest competitor of the day.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50My name is Matt Carter, I come from Delabole in Cornwall,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52and this is my dog, Blue.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Delabole is a bit windy at times and that. It's not far off the coast.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02I wouldn't move.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07My grandad, he's brought me up to dog trialling
0:20:07 > 0:20:10because I used to always ride with him to trails.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15And I've just learnt on and he's taught me a lot.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Blue's my first ever dog I've had, she's got a bond with me now
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and we've been working and working.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27My grandad, John,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31he competed in the One Man And His Dog in 2002.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35And he won this stick and I'm hoping to get as far as he did,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and follow in his footsteps.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45On we go then with England.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50This is Matthew Carter, 13-years-old, with his dog Blue.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- To the right-hand side then. - Let's hope she stays out.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03He stopped her early then.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Another stop whistle and now a walk on whistle.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10So they'll just be a few points off the...
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Ah, she nearly ran them then.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Ah, she's got herself wound up here.
0:21:15 > 0:21:22A bit uptight. Whether it's the presence of another dog there.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26She's just, unfortunately, too wound up altogether.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Matthew was saying he was a bit concerned about the lumpy
0:21:30 > 0:21:34bumpy ground because he wouldn't be able to see what Blue was doing.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- 17 scored for the out run. No points for the lift.- Ah well.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42To be expected, yes, what a shame.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45And the sheep are coming up the field fast,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47the dog just has upset these sheep
0:21:47 > 0:21:50so he'll have to watch that he doesn't lose them altogether.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55She's covered them they're not going to be escaping, thank goodness.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59And she's coming onto them nice and steady now.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Can he keep them going on a straight line now
0:22:04 > 0:22:07down to the first set of gates?
0:22:07 > 0:22:12Ten points awarded for the fetch. That's ten out of 20.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22He's got the first set of drive gates, now onto this second set.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26How much do the judges take into consideration
0:22:26 > 0:22:28when the sheep stop like this?
0:22:28 > 0:22:33If you were judging a competition such as a national sheepdog trail,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38then every time the sheep stopped you would be taking a point off.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43They may not be quite as hard with it being Matthew, a young handler.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47The line's good.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Now, she's gone very fast round, but he paid that time.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Wahey! He's through those drive gates, well done, Matthew.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- HE WHISTLES - Come by.
0:23:03 > 0:23:0522 scored for the drive.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09That's good, he's making up points now.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12But this is where you do want them to be nice and calm
0:23:12 > 0:23:17and almost stopping, as long as they're not too bunched together.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Lie down. Way, way. Lie down!
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Here's an opportunity coming.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Ohhh! I think that was just a yawn, wasn't it?
0:23:29 > 0:23:30Oh, hang on.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35Here's his opportunity, come on, in you come now.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40Are the judges going to take it? Is she going to go on to those two?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Yes, yes.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- Seven for the shed. - And so for the pen.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I think this will be one of the most difficult parts
0:23:49 > 0:23:52of the course for him, to try and get these sheep into that pen
0:23:52 > 0:23:56because he needs to push that little bit harder, but not lose her temper.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Lie down. Walk on. Come by.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01Just edging in there, Blue.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Oh, and it's looking... He's...
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Oh! Well done that man, and dog.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- What about that.- Great.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21The finest pen we've seen today.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24Full marks for the pen,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26let's see what that does for the overall score.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Matthew and Blue score 66 for England.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34As I've seen all the other handlers run already
0:24:34 > 0:24:38I had a bit more of an idea of how well I have to do.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42It went OK, it was a bit of a shame about the lift, but other
0:24:42 > 0:24:47than that she ran quite well and she kept control of the sheep well.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Gus, you always said this would be a tricky course,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54are you surprised at how the young handlers coped with it?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57I thought two of them did very, very well at it.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01The way Llion and Susan managed things, they did well, yes.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04You were surprised at the start with Susan getting Jill up onto
0:25:04 > 0:25:07the podium, and that was a great little move, wasn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09She was perfectly entitled to do it
0:25:09 > 0:25:14and it was to an advantage because her outrun was good.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18A bit of a nightmare at those drive gates.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20That is a really tricky obstacle.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Yes, it is and not many if them had done that before.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26The actual pull through is rather difficult.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32He's through those drive gates, well done, Matthew.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35What do you think this means for Wales?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Llion's given them a massive score of 88.
0:25:38 > 0:25:45- I think Wales could be the danger team now.- Well, time will tell.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Guys, you can now relax. How are you all feeling?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51What was the hardest part, Matthew?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54It's the drive gates when you're going back across.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- You've got the dip and the dog goes out of sight.- Right, OK.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01John, a bit tricky at the start for the out run.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05It's not like him at all, he's never done that in his life before.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Did you see Susan's trick of getting the dog up on the podium
0:26:08 > 0:26:10to see the sheep, you didn't fancy doing that?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- I didn't see that.- You didn't?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- Oh, John, that's the key, Susan, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17How was the round for you?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Good, but just the pull through as well,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I thought two sheep would slip round the side.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- Do you wish you could do it again now?- No, I'm glad it's over.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Just happy! Llion, yours was absolutely sensational.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- 88 scored and you've only been trialling for eight months?- Yes.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36All the eights for you!
0:26:36 > 0:26:39The second drive gate was the hardest bit, I think,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43the dip was really tricky to get right.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Listen, you've given Wales a belting start.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Let's see how far ahead Wales are after the first round.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55There it is, Wales on 88, but Ireland are not out of the running
0:26:55 > 0:26:58just yet, only 12 points behind.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Even third placed England on 66 and Scotland,
0:27:00 > 0:27:04the current champions, on 54 are still in with a shout.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Now before we see how the more experienced handlers deal
0:27:09 > 0:27:11with these troublesome sheep,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13let's meet the man who makes it all work behind the scenes.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Malcolm, you've been involved in One Man And His Dog
0:27:16 > 0:27:19for over 15 years and you have this title of Head Of Sheep.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- It's very glamorous, isn't it?- It is.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We'd be absolutely snookered without you
0:27:24 > 0:27:28because the sheep don't just arrive by magic at the end of the field.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It's all you, your dogs and what have you.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36This year we're running these traditional Scottish Blackfaces.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Yes, traditional for the area.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43They've been in a glen nine miles long which rises nearly 3,000 feet.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- And they see nobody. So coming down here is a big shock for them. - They don't even see dogs, do they?
0:27:48 > 0:27:51No, cos you only round them up when you need them.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53The young handlers seemed to do quite well with them.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55They did very well, I was impressed.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00Young handlers, obviously nervous, cameras, a field they don't know, sheep they don't know -
0:28:00 > 0:28:02they did very well, they were excellent.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06And the pressure's on for the older handlers to follow.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Yeah, they've set the standard, really.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Nobody knew what the sheep were, the older ones have an advantage
0:28:12 > 0:28:14having watched someone else go round the course.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17The young handlers were dealing with five sheep,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20now we move on to the brace, where our handlers are dealing with 10.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21It's one man and two dogs.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Let's look at what's in store with the course.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29The stakes are higher in the brace. Now we're playing for 140 points.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34This time, 10 sheep are set next to the lift post at the far end of the course.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The handler sends one dog to the left
0:28:36 > 0:28:38and the other to the right on the outrun,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Each dog can be awarded a maximum of 20 points.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Both dogs approach the sheep,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47and together get them to move gently towards the handler with the lift.
0:28:47 > 0:28:4910 points are available for each dog.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The sheep are then taken on a straight fetch,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55through the fetch gates towards the handler - 20 points.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58The next hurdle is the drive, worth 30 points.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01The sheep are driven around the handler's post and,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04starting to the left, are taken on a triangular drive
0:29:04 > 0:29:06through two sets of drive gates.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08It's possible the handler may lose sight of one dog
0:29:08 > 0:29:10along the ridge here on the crossdrive,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14so this could be a tricky part of the course, and points might be lost.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18The drive ends when the sheep entered the shedding ring.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The handler then chooses one dog to divide the 10 sheep
0:29:21 > 0:29:25into two lots of five inside the ring, and that's for 10 points.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28On completion of the shed, the handler uses one of his dogs
0:29:28 > 0:29:32to move one group of five sheep towards an open pen.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Once the sheep are penned, the same dog must hold them
0:29:35 > 0:29:38until the round is complete - 10 points.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41The handler can then turn his attention to moving the final
0:29:41 > 0:29:45five sheep into the gated pen with the remaining brace dog.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48The trial is complete when these final five sheep
0:29:48 > 0:29:51are in the pen and the gate is closed - 10 points.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And the course needs to be completed within 18 minutes
0:29:54 > 0:29:57to be in with a chance of the big points.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Well, perched up on top of our commentary box are our judges,
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Barra and Arthur, casting their eagle eye across the field.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06Lads, you still happy?
0:30:06 > 0:30:07Good, that's the main thing.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Finishing fourth in the last round was Scotland,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13which means they're going first, and that falls to Jimmy Menzies.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Here he is at home with his dogs, Hope and Cher.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20My name is Jimmy Menzies.
0:30:20 > 0:30:27I farm in North Perthshire and I am running Hope and Cher in the brace competition.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Hope does all the work at the moment because Cher is in pup,
0:30:30 > 0:30:32but by the time of the competition
0:30:32 > 0:30:35the pups will probably be about three-weeks-old,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38so Cher will be OK to run and compete.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Hope is an exceptional bitch.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Move anything anywhere for me, she'll do anything.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Farming's a seven-day-a-week job,
0:30:49 > 0:30:54but when I'm not busy working on the farm or trialling with my dogs,
0:30:54 > 0:30:59my pursuits are Scottish country dancing and I like a tune on the box.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04ACCORDION PLAYING
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Everybody needs a bit of luck.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10If you get luck and don't have the dogs then you've no chance,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but if you've got the kit and you get luck, we'll do well,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15because I know I have the kit.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Jimmy, then, with his two dogs, Hope and Cher.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Away.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25Both dogs are away.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30WHISTLING
0:31:30 > 0:31:31Are they going to cross?
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Yeah, they've crossed at the bottom.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- And arrived at exactly the same time.- Spot on.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Top scores for both dogs on the outrun.
0:31:41 > 0:31:4310 and 5 scored for the lift.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Wow, straight down the middle.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Jimmy qualified for the Scottish national team last year,
0:31:52 > 0:31:56so certainly knows what he's doing here.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59These dogs are both working nicely together.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01WHISTLING
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Starting off on the drive.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07It's a job to get these sheep just onto the correct line.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11WHISTLING
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Three points lost on the fetch.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20Oh, nicely through, so that was a good recovery from a bad stop.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24They're starting on the crossdrive now from left to right.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27What a comeback this could be for Scotland.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Yeah, the line is quite good at the moment.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Now they're at a little bit of a stalemate here,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35because the sheep want to come up the field,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Cher wants to keep them down so they'll be able to be
0:32:38 > 0:32:40pulled through the second set of drive gates.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45She's done her job. Now he's got to bring Hope round pretty fast.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50Hope coming in a wide circle around to our right.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57They're certainly not keen on zipping through there, are they? They're just milling away.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02There we are, all of them through.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Now we've got the 10 sheep coming up towards the shedding ring.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- It'll be a split five and five. - That's it, yes.
0:33:11 > 0:33:1520 of 30, then, for the Drive.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19That's perfect. Get in there, quick.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And straight through, no problems, at all.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Oh, yes, problems! One just got back, that was a shame,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28because the dog certainly came through.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31By, by. Cher in, in.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32In with a chance now.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35That's it, very well-behaved sheep.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Oh, just one out of 10 for the shed.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45This open pen a real challenge, cos there's no gate on this, so you can't funnel their end.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47That's true.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Sit. Come out.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Sit, come. Come out!
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Close, close, will that one go in?
0:33:54 > 0:33:57And will it gets to the others?
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Oh dear, dear, dear, it's all to start again.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03He should put those sheep back together again,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06so how the judges are going to judge this, I'm not too sure.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Away.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09WHISTLING
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- There we go.- This is opportunity.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Away, down, in.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18In, in, in, down, by.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Sit there. Sit!
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Sit. Me. Sit.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Me. Between, between, between.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Come between!
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Sit, walk, walk, walk, stay there.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32Super job, Hope.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35So that's half of the penning over with.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39One out of ten for the open pen, our attentions turn to the gated pen.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43The clock must really be ticking on now.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Out. Away, away.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Oh, the other dog's moved from the second pen.- Oh, no!
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Oh no!- There they go!
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Dear, oh dear, he's got to go back.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03The others are staying near the mouth - in they go.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Now come on, Hope.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Between, Hope, between.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Stay there, now.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- Time is really ticking by.- It is.
0:35:15 > 0:35:1630 seconds. Come on.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22The sheep aren't challenging this dog at all,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- so she's got the ability to do it. - Come on!
0:35:24 > 0:35:27It's getting extremely close.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Oh, nice and steady.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31No! One down the side!
0:35:32 > 0:35:3410 seconds left!
0:35:36 > 0:35:39And he's telling her to stay out.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- What a shame. - What a shame indeed,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47but a very entertaining round.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Well, no score for Pen two.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54Jimmy, Hope and Cher finish with a score of 94 for Scotland,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57and that was out of a possible 140.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The dogs performed well, they were answering me all the time,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05they never not took their commands.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09I probably let slip one of Hope's commands when I was at the pen here,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and that's probably why she left and let them out.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15It was maybe more my fault than the dog's fault.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Over the years, England's brace competitor has become
0:36:18 > 0:36:21as much a regular feature on the programme as our Gus,
0:36:21 > 0:36:25so no doubt he's already sorted this sheep to make sure he doesn't get a bad one.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Anyway, once again he's England's Richard Hutchinson.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34My name is Richard Hutchinson,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38I'm from Littledale near Lancaster and I'll be running Roy and Sweep.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I was born and raised on this farm,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47and my family have been new for five generations, about 150 years.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Roy and Sweep are a father and son team.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Roy's the father, he's seven-years-old,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and Sweep is only three-and-a-half.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58WHISTLING
0:36:59 > 0:37:03There's no jealousy between them, so they're quite happy
0:37:03 > 0:37:07to let the other dog do its work while they concentrate on their work.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Ashley's just getting to the age now where he can come out with me on the farm.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17He likes to help me with a bit of walling,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and generally getting in the way, but it's great to have him about.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24This'll be my third time in a row on One Man & His Dog,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28and I haven't yet won it, so hopefully it'll be third time lucky.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Roy's the English National Brace Champion,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36also the International Brace Championship winner,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39so he's certainly got the pedigree, Gus.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41He certainly has, yes, and here we go.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Roy's going way out to the right.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Sweep out to the left.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Now Roy comes across, there he is behind the sheep.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55WHISTLING
0:37:55 > 0:37:59And the sheep under way on the lift.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02They're just turning round, looking at Roy.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Nice, steady walk up here.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Both dogs balanced on each corner.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11And right through the middle.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1814 and 20 scored for the outruns.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19Lie down.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21WHISTLES
0:38:21 > 0:38:2310 and six given for the lift.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- Oh...- There's a breakaway.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27WHISTLES
0:38:29 > 0:38:30Out.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Roy!
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Roy, Roy, Roy.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- Sweep.- Sweep on our left, Roy on our right.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39Lie down.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41WHISTLES
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Just five out of 20 scored on that fetch.
0:38:46 > 0:38:52Must be going through his mind that he's got a rogue sheep in there that could break again at any time.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53WHISTLES
0:38:53 > 0:38:56No doubt we'll see her again at the pen.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59WHISTLES
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Roy coming around,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02followed by Sweep,
0:39:02 > 0:39:04who's stopped there,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06and now for the start of the crossdrive.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11WHISTLES
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Of course, Roy is the more experienced of the two.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17Seven-years-old and he is actually Sweep's dad.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21They need now to bring the sheep through those second drive gates
0:39:21 > 0:39:23is what we call a pull through, so they come from the back
0:39:23 > 0:39:26towards the front and they're nicely through.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Not forgetting there's 30 points available for this drive.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Richard needs every single point he can get here.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Lie down.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41And so, it's the shed. Two sets of five we want here.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Interesting he's got both dogs on the far side.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Lie down.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Clawing points back here, 26 scored for the drive,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- just four points lost. - Oh, that's good.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55WHISTLES Stay there.
0:39:55 > 0:39:56Lie down!
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Here we go.- Oh. Yes.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Beautifully done.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04It may well be... Yes...
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Oh!
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Well covered this time.
0:40:08 > 0:40:09Lie down.
0:40:09 > 0:40:15What he's going to do here now is push them well down the field.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17WHISTLES
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Well, Richard will be delighted with the 10 points for the shed.
0:40:21 > 0:40:27So now he's using Roy to put the sheep into the ungated pen.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Lie down!
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Oh, it's all happening on the other side.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32Come. Stay there!
0:40:33 > 0:40:37So he's in with a chance now of concentrating on
0:40:37 > 0:40:40getting Roy to get this first five in.
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Stay there.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- Rich just creeping in gently. - Slight movement with his stick.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48He's doing the little pen dance. There it is.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53There's one down the side, what a shame, what a shame.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Start again.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58See if can hold them this time.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59Stay there. Out!
0:40:59 > 0:41:01That's better.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02That's better.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Oh!
0:41:04 > 0:41:06And away.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Roy, get up.
0:41:08 > 0:41:09WHISTLES
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Well, Jimmy had trouble at the pen
0:41:12 > 0:41:16and it's exactly the same situation here for the Richard.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17He's lost points.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Even if he gets them in now, he's got them all looking in.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22Stay there.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- Surely he's got them boxed now. - Come on, girls!
0:41:25 > 0:41:28That one at the back, just push forward.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Oh!
0:41:31 > 0:41:33WHISTLES
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Will she go in? Yes!
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Stay there. Get her, get her.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Stay there.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44So, Sweep goes round now to get the second group of sheep.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46WHISTLES
0:41:50 > 0:41:55Three scored for pen one. At this stage, Richard and Jimmy are level.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Lie down.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58He's going to turn these sheep
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and hope they don't get down the side... One going down the side.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03WHISTLES
0:42:03 > 0:42:05- Ay-yay-yay!- Oh!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11This clock really is starting to tick by now, so...
0:42:11 > 0:42:13WHISTLES Lie down.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- It may happen this time. - There's the proof.
0:42:16 > 0:42:17Yes, there we are.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Seven points given from our judges for pen number two.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Let's have a look what that does to the total.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26It comes in at 101 for England.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32I felt I did as well as I could.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37Sweep was disappointing on his left hand gather. He went straight, not what he usually does,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39but could have done worse with the sheep.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I'm not just blaming the sheep,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45I'm sure I could have handled it better, too. It's over and that's what I've done.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Now, another handler returning this year is the Irish brace competitor.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Mind you, he'll be hoping things turned out a little bit differently
0:42:53 > 0:42:54to how they did last time.
0:42:54 > 0:42:55Here's a reminder.
0:42:59 > 0:43:00My name's Sammy Long.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02I'm from Ballybofey in County Donegal
0:43:02 > 0:43:06and this year I'll be running Moss and Sam.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11My family's been in this farm for the past 50 years.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14I've been working on the farm since I was a child, really.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Just sheep farm, we keep about 250 ewes.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21At the moment, I have about 14 dogs at the house there,
0:43:21 > 0:43:24and I have four pups as well which are very popular
0:43:24 > 0:43:26with my grandchildren.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28THEY CHATTER
0:43:28 > 0:43:33Sam is five years old. He has a nice temperament, very friendly dog.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37Moss is a similar age and he's a friendly dog as well.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Normally I'm quite confident bringing them two dogs.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43They're both good outrunners but last year Moss let me down
0:43:43 > 0:43:45by jumping the fence.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47Unfortunately, Moss has cleared the fence
0:43:47 > 0:43:51and he's going over towards the gorge.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54I will make sure this year that I wouldn't be so confident
0:43:54 > 0:43:55or take anything for granted.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00On we go then with Sammy Long. Moss and Sam.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03WHISTLES
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Sam goes down the field. He needs to open out a little bit.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Moss is over on the right-hand side going down well.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16Both dogs coming round and they've put themselves right.
0:44:16 > 0:44:17WHISTLES
0:44:17 > 0:44:20- This time they've stayed in the field.- Yeah!
0:44:20 > 0:44:24Now he's got them nicely out on the corners and the sheep
0:44:24 > 0:44:28are coming right through the middle of the first set of fetch gates.
0:44:28 > 0:44:29WHISTLES
0:44:29 > 0:44:3316 and 24 for the outrun. 10 and eight for the lift.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37The score to beat is 101. So far.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Let's hope they come round the podium
0:44:40 > 0:44:44and don't try and do an exit stage left around our commentary box
0:44:44 > 0:44:47because they certainly caught Richard out.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49They're just milling,
0:44:49 > 0:44:51they're ready to challenge the dog at any minute
0:44:51 > 0:44:54but I'm sure these two dogs are up to it.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Just four points lost, Gus, on the fetch.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59WHISTLES
0:44:59 > 0:45:03Just as they go towards these first drive gates they're starting
0:45:03 > 0:45:05to push a little bit to the right.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08WHISTLES
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- But on a good line here. - Yeah, yeah, good line.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15WHISTLES
0:45:15 > 0:45:19Sam's just doing a bit of over flanking at the back of the sheep.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22WHISTLES
0:45:22 > 0:45:23I don't know.
0:45:24 > 0:45:25Oh...
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Seems there's always one.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33This brace around, there's always one! Unbelievable.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36If they think they're in with a chance of doing their own thing,
0:45:36 > 0:45:38these blackface sheep, they will.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42Moss has covered that well. Come on, Sam, round you come. Here he comes.
0:45:42 > 0:45:48- Go on, perfect.- Looking in, down on the floor. Followed by Moss.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50And they've got them lined up now.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54To pull them back through the second drive gates.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56He may be losing the odd point here or there
0:45:56 > 0:46:00for line and what have you, but he's getting them through the obstacles.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04So, that the drive finished and the shed begins.
0:46:04 > 0:46:0616 out of 30 for the drive.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08Come back.
0:46:08 > 0:46:09They are tightly bunched.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13He's just going to have to let them string out a little bit.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15Lie down, Moss.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- Oh, how many's that?- Four and a six.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Moss, lie down, lie down. Lie down.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23That's better now. Now he's in with a chance.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26Lie down, lie down. Come in here, Moss.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28There we are, he's got it.
0:46:28 > 0:46:29Stand here, Moss.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31Stand here. Stand here.
0:46:31 > 0:46:32Calling Sam up now.
0:46:32 > 0:46:33Here, here!
0:46:33 > 0:46:35Come on, Sam, come on Sam.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- Oooh...- Oh, well held, at the moment well held.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Well, impressive.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44Full marks for the shed.
0:46:45 > 0:46:46Oh, 96 he's on.
0:46:46 > 0:46:47Stand here.
0:46:47 > 0:46:48WHISTLES
0:46:48 > 0:46:52He's doing the right thing, pushing them well down that field.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56So now it's up to Moss.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59Moss, Moss, stand here!
0:46:59 > 0:47:02Moss doing a good job, oh, one down the side. He's covered it.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Back again.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07This is the problem pen.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10Stand here, Moss. Stand here.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Stand here, Moss. Come back.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18Keep out, keep out, Good lad. Well done, got that one back.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Moss, Moss, come back, stand here. Stand.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Stand here, come by, stand here.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Moss, Moss, stand here.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Stand here.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- Yes.- Oh, that looks better.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33Stand here, Moss. Here, Moss, stand there. Moss, here.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35Now don't let me down, Moss.
0:47:35 > 0:47:40See now whether or not we can get Sam to get the last lot of sheep.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43Spin them round and up we come.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45- Woah!- Steady, steady, lad! Steady.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50My word. Just eased back a little bit now, he's just pushing too hard
0:47:50 > 0:47:53and the judges will be knocking a lot of points off.
0:47:53 > 0:47:567 for pen one.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00Ireland really need this pen if they want to try and catch Wales.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Come on up! Keep, keep!
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Just see... Oh, that was close!
0:48:06 > 0:48:07But he's got the sheep back.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10Here, here, here. Here, here, here.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12Round here, round here.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15Now we're looking as if we could do something.
0:48:15 > 0:48:16Time must be getting close.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24Keep! Stand there. Keep, keep! Stand there.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26No more breaks, don't want to over-flank, dog.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Don't want to over-flank!
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- GUS CHUCKLES - Away! Away!
0:48:32 > 0:48:33Shoulder, belly, bum, in.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- And they're in! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:48:36 > 0:48:37Well, well, well!
0:48:38 > 0:48:42Just two scored for the second pen
0:48:42 > 0:48:45and he gets a total of 105.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48Well, that's the highest brace score we've seen so far.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55That makes me feel very good.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57I didn't feel it was a risk bringing Moss back, no,
0:48:57 > 0:49:01because what he done last year, I think, was a once-off
0:49:01 > 0:49:04and both dogs have performed fairly well for me,
0:49:04 > 0:49:06so I'm happy enough, yeah.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08Believe it or not, this simple white post
0:49:08 > 0:49:11is the most important part of the whole course,
0:49:11 > 0:49:14as this is where the sheep are waiting.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Hopefully, the dogs arrive here in unison
0:49:16 > 0:49:18and all of the characters
0:49:18 > 0:49:21and personalities can meet for the very first time.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Next up, to find out what's in store
0:49:23 > 0:49:25is a man who won the brace round and the single round
0:49:25 > 0:49:27in the same year.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29It's Colin Gordon for Wales.
0:49:36 > 0:49:41My name is Colin Gordon, I'm from Llanrhidian on the Gower Peninsula.
0:49:41 > 0:49:46The dogs I am running in this year's competition will be Mirk and Jess.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48I've been on the farm all of my life.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50I started coming out to the marshes
0:49:50 > 0:49:56when my father was alive, on a pushbike, two dogs running behind.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59Mirk is a very, very powerful dog.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02He'll move sheep, he'll move cows and calves,
0:50:02 > 0:50:05any job you ask him to do, his whole heart is in it.
0:50:05 > 0:50:11Jess is a good bitch, she's always willing to give you a day's work.
0:50:12 > 0:50:16I've been on One Man And His Dog one four occasions.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18I've been lucky enough to win three times.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22The trouble is, with a sheepdog trial, there's always luck involved.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24Luck is a heck of a thing to have to rely on,
0:50:24 > 0:50:27but it's a heck of a thing to be without,
0:50:27 > 0:50:29and if your luck is gone, it's gone.
0:50:31 > 0:50:33Well, I don't know how much luck is involved,
0:50:33 > 0:50:37but Wales are winning at the moment.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42- Can Colin Gordon and Mirk and Jess keep them there?- Jess, stand there.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47Jess is going to be running first, off to the left.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49And Mirk is away to the right.
0:50:51 > 0:50:52COLIN WHISTLES
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Just an extra whistle to get Mirk round.
0:50:55 > 0:50:56WHISTLES
0:50:56 > 0:50:59Mirk! Come on, Mirk!
0:51:00 > 0:51:0317 and 18 scored on the outruns.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08Mirk on the right now, bringing these sheep right through the fetch gates.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11Eight and seven for the lift.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14It's quite good, they're slightly off-line
0:51:14 > 0:51:16but it's been a good fetch.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20Such an incredibly experienced handler, Colin.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23He's won the Welsh National Brace six times.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25Stand, ah-ah! Stand!
0:51:25 > 0:51:28The sheep go down, and that's a nice start on to the drive.
0:51:28 > 0:51:33Only three points gone adrift on the fetch.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38- Milling and skewing all over the shop, aren't they?- Yes.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43Mirk's gone and what we call run the sheep,
0:51:43 > 0:51:45he's gone right the way round,
0:51:45 > 0:51:49so a lot of points will have been taken off by the judges there.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51And he's crossed again.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56Very unusual that a dog of Colin's
0:51:56 > 0:51:59would ring with the sheep at this point, so he's in trouble here.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03- This could be very costly for Wales. - It certainly could.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06He's got them bang on line again now and nicely through.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09WHISTLING
0:52:11 > 0:52:13And so for the crossdrive.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17WHISTLING
0:52:24 > 0:52:26Gently does it.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30It's all either go or stop, it just isn't a nice, steady flow,
0:52:30 > 0:52:34that he's obviously trying for.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38Both the dogs balanced behind the sheep
0:52:38 > 0:52:41as they come towards the shedding ring.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43Just 10 out of 30 for the drive.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Yes, that'll be because of ringing the sheep
0:52:45 > 0:52:48on this first leg of the drive, it's cost him dearly.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50Now it's Jess who's going to be used
0:52:50 > 0:52:53to split these sheep into two groups of five.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00- Stand.- Here, come here.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02Beautifully done.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04It's going, coming in, Colin.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06HE LAUGHS
0:53:06 > 0:53:08But he was ready for it.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10Full marks for the shed.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15This is that dratted ungated pen
0:53:15 > 0:53:19that has proved so difficult for so many of the handlers.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21Steady now.
0:53:22 > 0:53:23Stand! Stand!
0:53:23 > 0:53:25He's got to try and get them balanced
0:53:25 > 0:53:28so that all of them are in the pen now.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34And one tries again, but she covered well.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43Now, this could be it, they could be in.
0:53:46 > 0:53:47In they go.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50Stand there. Stand there.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53Just four points lost, then, on that first pen.
0:53:58 > 0:53:59SHEEP BLEATS
0:53:59 > 0:54:04And again they start blarting to one another. This could be dangerous.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07Obviously its mate's in the other pen.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09Here we go.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11- And Jess has come out.- Oh, Jess!
0:54:11 > 0:54:12Back, get down. Stand there!
0:54:12 > 0:54:15Look at that, that is good command,
0:54:15 > 0:54:19he managed to get Jess back towards the other pen.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25Well, these aren't settled, they're not settled.
0:54:25 > 0:54:26Jess is on the verge of moving,
0:54:26 > 0:54:29so we'll have to keep our eye on her...
0:54:29 > 0:54:31- Oh, no!- Oh!
0:54:31 > 0:54:35We'll have to see what the judges decide to do about that.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38Jess has moved, the other sheep are coming out.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Oh, they've come out the pen! Oh, dear me.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44He knows full well he's got to now go back into the shedding ring
0:54:44 > 0:54:46and start all over again.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49So the points for the first time are now scratched, are they?
0:54:49 > 0:54:52- No, they'll hold, it's the time that has gone.- I see.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55- This is an impossible task. - It is, really.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Mind you, I say it's an impossible task, look at this.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Once they have been in the pen, there is a scent there
0:55:04 > 0:55:09and the next ones are that little bit easier to get in.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13Having said that, the time's ticking by, so...
0:55:13 > 0:55:16Oh, dear, and another breakaway.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19It's not looking good at all.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21The clock is counting down now.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24Stand.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26- Time?- Time, what a shame.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29But he'll have his points to that particular stage.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31No score for the final pen.
0:55:31 > 0:55:35That is a total of 93 for Wales.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45The shed was good, the first shed, got to the pen,
0:55:45 > 0:55:50first pen wasn't too bad, and then things went haywire on the second pen.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54I feel now a day older and hopefully a day wiser!
0:55:54 > 0:55:57Let's have a quick reminder of the brace round,
0:55:57 > 0:56:01and we had Jimmy and Colin both running out of time.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04Yes, Jimmy Menzies as well, he had a good start
0:56:04 > 0:56:07but he had real problems in the shedding ring and at both pens.
0:56:07 > 0:56:12Then Colin, he got round OK, but it was just his final pen he struggled with.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16Richard Hutchinson didn't do too bad at all with Roy and Sweep.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20No, but unfortunately the sheep shot out by the judges' podium
0:56:20 > 0:56:23and caught him unawares and everybody else, really,
0:56:23 > 0:56:26so he was really hit hard for his fetch.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28OK, then finishing up, of course, with Sammy Long,
0:56:28 > 0:56:30who did a sterling job with Moss and Sam.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33He did, he had me worried on the final gated pen,
0:56:33 > 0:56:35I thought he was going to run out of time,
0:56:35 > 0:56:38but he did it and had the best round of the lot.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41Well, Sammy achieved a score of 105,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45beating England's Richard Hutchinson into second,
0:56:45 > 0:56:48Jimmy Menzies finishes for Scotland in third,
0:56:48 > 0:56:51and then Colin Gordon for Wales with 93.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53Jimmy, is it fair to say that Balmoral's front lawn
0:56:53 > 0:56:56isn't really very well-suited to brace work?
0:56:56 > 0:57:00Absolutely, the pens for a brace were too close, you a wee bit more out.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02That's the challenge, man, isn't it?
0:57:02 > 0:57:05Well, we've 50,000 acres on Balmoral estate,
0:57:05 > 0:57:09and here we are crammed into two, approximately.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12Excuses, excuses. Richard, this is your third time, isn't it?
0:57:12 > 0:57:16- Wasn't third time lucky for you. - No, I'm still thinking of some excuses.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18Er, the wind was bad, that's it.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22- And keeping an eye out for those midges, as well.- That's it, yes.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25Good stuff. Well, Colin, Sammy was triumphant,
0:57:25 > 0:57:27what do you think his trick was?
0:57:27 > 0:57:31He had better dogs on the day, suited the sheep better.
0:57:31 > 0:57:35And coming here, the same sheep everybody had,
0:57:35 > 0:57:41the same chance we had, but Sammy's dogs were better on the day.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43Well, Sammy, huge congratulations.
0:57:43 > 0:57:45How do you feel as our little brace champion?
0:57:45 > 0:57:48I feel very good, aye, it's nice to win on the day.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50As Colin says, my dogs worked on the day.
0:57:50 > 0:57:54That's not saying they're better all the time, but maybe a bit better today.
0:57:54 > 0:57:57Well, I don't know if any of you lads are mathematicians,
0:57:57 > 0:57:59but it turns out that going into the final round
0:57:59 > 0:58:03there's a dead heat between Ireland and Wales on 181,
0:58:03 > 0:58:07England are in third, and Scotland have a lot to do in fourth.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11What a wonderful way to start this year's One Man & His Dog
0:58:11 > 0:58:14and a fantastic end to the programme.
0:58:14 > 0:58:15A tie, it couldn't be any closer.
0:58:15 > 0:58:18You'll have to tune in next time for the singles round.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22That's one man, one dog, but with two flocks of sheep.
0:58:22 > 0:58:24Only then will we know who'll be crowned the winners
0:58:24 > 0:58:27of One Man & His Dog 2011.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29Where else would you rather be?
0:58:29 > 0:58:32So, from here at Balmoral, it's goodbye.
0:58:58 > 0:58:59Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:59 > 0:59:02E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk