Although only 0.21 seconds separates Allsorts & Hotdogs it was nice to see we were in different divisions. And we were also racing against Northern teams we very rarely meet (except here or at Market Harborough!). Unfortunately we were both seeded 6, in div's 3 & 4, but we were hoping for some close racing.
Those of us who were camping, went up on Saturday afternoon. Having set ourselves up (Elaine is getting a Pro at building gardens now - and even managed to build a gate!!) we went for a walk, and back for a BBQ. By this time, it was beginning to get chilly! But undeterred we huddled around the camp fire, until someone decided it made more sense to make our way to the only caravan!
It can be either boiling at Daventry or quite chilly - and this weekend was no different - Quite chilly! But it was ideal for the dogs! We started off with theAllsorts.
Race 1: Allsorts 'v' Gofours - (Ollie, Meg, Beau & Alfie) The first race saw some late passes, and in the second, they were much better, and we went from 21.16 to 20.61!! And we went 2-0 up. The Gofours then brought in another dog, but we were still ahead when Alfie reached the box, he turned…….and it became obvious that he was struggling to keep the ball in his mouth. He 'tried his hardest' to sort it out but by that time was past the first jump, so dropped the ball and ran back. It was such a shame for him!! So we lost that one. The Gofours then picked up on their start, and took the next 2 races as well. Lost 2-3. Best time 20.45
Race 2: Allsorts 'v' Wellingborough Red Wellies - (Ollie, Meg, Merlin & Alfie) So far, we've never beaten this team, and it started off looking that way again. They were 2-0 up, and had a re -run. However interference from the other side brought it back to 2-1. Beau was then swapped in for Alfie, and we went on to win 3-2. Although looking at the times, there really wasn't any difference. Won 3-2, best time 20.34
Race 3: Allsorts 'v' Molton Meteors - (Ollie, Meg, Merlin & Alfie) Straight forward 3-0 loss, best time 20.72.
Race 4: Allsorts 'v' Podsters - (Ollie, Meg, Beau & Merlin) Just not enough speed, lost 3-1, best time 20.42
Race 5: Allsorts 'v' Delinquent Dolphins - (Ollie, Beau, Merlin & Alfie). We have never raced this team before, and we managed a 3-0 win, best time 20.42 (That's being consistent!)
There was a high likely hood of a run off, but an unexpected win to another team in the last race, meant we were 5th in Div 4. Best time 20.34.
Onto Div 3 - The Hotdogs just had Katie, Tosh, Spencer & Molly, with Angel on stand by! We had Pete on the box, and Chris & Dave swapped dogs!
Race 1: Hotdogs 'v' Coventry Dodgers - Molly started off by fumbling the ball in the very first race. And amazingly, she re-ran immediately, and we won it!! Went on to win the 2nd leg, lost the next 2, and I then pushed and got a light in the last. Lost 3-2, best time 19.38
Race 2: Hotdogs 'v' Molton Monarchs - Disaster!! Lost 3-0, best time 25.60!
Race 3: Hotdogs 'v' Mansfield Marnicks - Having seen Pete move slightly to put the ball in the box, on the previous race, Katie thought she'd be one step ahead, and just waited for Pete to produce another ball this time! When no ball was forthcoming, she eventually came back! So lost that one! Chris was beginning to get some late passes with Tosh, so tightened up, and we went from 19.70 to our best time 19.00!! We won 3-1, best time 19.00
Race 4: Hotdogs 'v' Sherwood Outlaws - More disasters! Lost 3-0, best time 21.12
Race 5: Hotdogs 'v' Barkshire Bandidos - I think the Bandidos must have had a slower dog than usual, as we managed a straight forward 3-0 win. Best time 19.20.
And we finally came 4th in Div 3, best time, and new seed time 19.00 secs
We then went off and did some pairs - Meg & Angel, best time 11.10, Katie & Alfie 10.16, and Spencer & Tosh 8.97, who were the eventual winners of the pairs. Jump height 8".
(And for comparison, previous pairs times: Mini/Maxi 8" Barley & Abby 9.34, Mixed pairs 12" Badger & Jesse 9.62, Maskell & Ben 10.34, Breeze & Bazil 9.56, and these were electronically timed!)
So a good w/e over all!