The finals commenced on Sunday under clear skies and bright sunshine with David Wood and Moe, from England at the post. Though the course was smaller than previous world finals, both the layout and sheep provided an excellent test for dog and handler, and unimpeded views for spectators.

The first outrun was to the right. After bringing the first packet of sheep to the holding area, the second packet was out of the dog’s sight until at least half-way into the second fetch. On many runs, the first group of sheep tended to drift towards the exhaust, requiring the handler to issue another look-back command to bring the sheep together for the drive. Still, most times the outwork was completed in about 10 minutes, leaving plenty of time for the shed and pen. Again, the sheep were superb, providing a fair test for each competitor. The quality of the competition was reflected in the fact that all runs in the finals were completed.

David Wood and Moe’s run was fairly solid, reflected in a point total of 527. The second fetch started badly, but once Moe’s attention left the first packet of sheep, the remaining outwork was good. Through lunch, Aled Owen (WAL) and Roy had posted the best score of 583 of 680 possible points. The run was characterized by good outwork and only two points lost on the shed. The most points lost during the run were on the drive, at the approach to the cross-drive panels.

Owen and Roy were preceded by a fine run by Tony Ottesen (DEN) with Bob (532). Through the morning, David Wood and Moe (527) were in third place. In the afternoon, Aiden Gallagher (IRE) and Bill put together a good run, but points lost on the cross-drive and shed prevented them from challenging Aled and Roy.

Stuart Davidson (SCO) and Jim followed with a fine display of sheepdog handling, featuring fine outwork. But again, points lost on the cross-drive and shed were the difference between Stuart’s score and the top one.

It looked like Aled and Roy’s score would hold up throughout an afternoon of fierce competition until Ron Snoeck and Nell, from the Netherlands, matched it. With a perfect first outrun, lift and fetch, and near-perfect second outrun and lift, points were lost on the outwork when some of the second packet of sheep missed the fetch panel. More points were lost on the cross-drive when the sheep split through the panel, but a fine run was salvaged by a good shed and pen.

Expectations were high for Meirion Jones (WAL) and Joe in the last run of the competition because they had performed so well in the qualifying rounds. But points lost on the cross-drive and, particularly, at the pen when sheep at the mouth of the gate bolted, were critical.

With the runs of Aled with Roy, and Ron with Nell, pointed identically, the outcome was decided on merit points. By a single merit point, Aled Owen and Roy edged Ron Snoeck and Nell to become World Champion for a second time. 

In the team competition, Wales took top spot with 990 points.  Scotland was second and Switzerland was third.

Closing ceremonies featured a parade of nations and presentations to all finalists.

Aza Pinney presents the GILPA gold shepherd's whistle to Aled Owen.

Ron Snoeck (NET)                                                                         Stuart Davidson (SCO)

Karin Mattsson (NOR), highest placed female handler.

Congratulations to Aled Owen and Roy.