Day 1
The first of this year's Nationals is under way. Reports from the field by Susan Kelly.
7.45: It is a lovely morning. The sun is out and the handlers are walking the course, with the usual banter amongst the competitors and spectators. The course is flat and the sheep for the singles today are Continentals owned by J P McGee. The Doubles sheep are Sammy Long's. JP McGee is first to the post with Gem. Running at No 2 is first reserve C Thom with Meg.
10.00: The trial is off to a good start. The sheep are working well, with everyone having a fair chance. There are stalls and a fun fair for the children and good food for the large crowd, who are enjoying the warm weather. The first scores are up: J P McGee & Gem 164; C Thom and Meg 164, B O'Brien and Llwynsarn Floss 169, T Lambe & Fly Ret, J J Brennan and Rose 169, M Feeney & Jack 156, W Goligher & Cap Ret.
12.00 The temperature has reached 29 degrees with a slight breeze. A great day for the spectators, who have grandstands for shelter as well as a good variety of drinks on offer. Some more scores - Dan Morrissey is the leader on 182 with Dina. The first Brace runs are on, with the singles resuming after the judges' lunch break.
3.00: Today's brace runs have been completed, with the remainder over the next two days. The temperature in the spectators' cars has reached 35 degrees and the ice cream van has been doing a great trade. No change at the top, with almost half of today's scores posted, but some serious challengers to come. A standard has been brought in.
4.00 A small shower will hopefully cool things down a little. There is thunder in the background. More scores, but the leader board is unaltered.
5.00: More scores - no change to the leader, but a couple of good runs which look likely to make the team.
5.30: A thunderstorm has been and gone and the sun is out again, Still quite a few runs to go.
7.00: Just a handful of results from today to come. It has been a long day, with another 50 singles and lunchtime brace runs to follow tomorrow.
7.30: Trialling has finished for the day. For scores and team, see Results page. Dan Morrissey is the day's winner and will be in the run off to decide the Team Captain on Saturday.