Posted 11:30 AM GMT; updated 2:00 PM; updated 4:30 PM; updated 5:20 PM

Weather could be a factor in the second day of qualifying trials at Kimmel Park in Abergele. Competitors awakened this morning to overcast skies, heavy rain and strong winds. With so much rain since August, the trial field has become saturated making conditions difficult. But the sheep have continued to work well, and some fine scores have been posted.

The fourth competitor of the day, Aiden Gallagher and Bill (I), from County Antrim scored 376, but that was soon eclipsed by Neil Campbell and Moss (S) from Kinross, who posted a qualifying round high of 422. Shortly after, Jocky Welsh and Mack (S) from Ayrshire, scored 413. Yesterday, Jocky and Tanhill Nap scored 388, which could put both his dogs into the final. Yet some fine competitors have yet to run.

Although the rain continues to fall, the level of competition remains high. Through lunchtime, 47 competitors in the singles qualifying trial have run and the brace competition has ended. Prior to the brace, Kevin Evans and Mirk (W), from Libanus, scored 395, one of the top runs of the competition. Tim Longton and Carrie (E) from Quernmore had a score of 374, which puts him in the top 15, although several competitive runs remain.

In the brace competition, only two competitors completed, with John Griffith with Fan and Gwenno (W) from Caernarfon scoring 418, top for the day, but third for the competition. Jim Cropper, with Fleet and Dan is this year’s brace champion.

Conditions have worsened throughout the afternoon as rain squalls have swept in from the south. This has affected scoring, with some runs (Dick Roper and Jim Cropper) timing out and others (Nigel Watkins) impeded by wind and rain. Still, Allistair Lyttle and Spot (I) from County Donegal posted a score of 405 that should qualify him for tomorrow’s final. Later, Michael Gallagher and Cap (I) from County Antrim, and Welsh Captain Alan Jones (Defaidity) with Bet scored scores of 400.

The only qualifying runs that remain are the captains of the Scottish and Irish teams. Competitors for the Supreme Championship will be announced shortly.

The qualifying trials for the 2008 Supreme Championship concluded with two fine runs. Scottish Captain Stuart Davidson and Rob, from Sandbank, completed the course and qualified for tomorrow’s final with a score of 386. The final competitor of the afternoon was Irish Captain Seamus Gallagher and Glen, from County Antrim, who posted a 393 to qualify for the final.

Tomorrow’s running order is posted on the Finals page.

Singles continued ...

Lunchtime Brace Runs

Singles continued ...

Singles continued ...