"On Saturday 21 February, for the first time ever an audience of hundreds will be able to enjoy the sport from the comfort of their seats.
This will be a world first for the sport, first staged in Wales in 1873 by entrepreneur R J Lloyd Price of Rhiwlas, Bala. The rules set down by Lloyd Price then exist almost unchanged today.
The indoor venture is the brainchild of sheepdog enthusiast Charles Arch. The trials will be organised under South Wales rules. Stages will include fetching, out-running, lifting, using the Maltese Cross and penning. Five of the first round competitors will make it to the final where an extra task, bridging will be added.
The judge will be Kevin Evans of Libanus near Brecon, holder of the 2008-09 international title. The competitors will be asked to pen groups of three or four lambs within the specified time.
The twelve invited competitors are:
Eryl P Roberts, Padog, Betws-y-coed whose young dogs have featured widely in European trials including the World Championship.
Medwyn Evans, Llanfachreth, a past Welsh captain and an outstanding trainer and breeder.
Colin Gordon, Llanrhidian, Gower, who has proved successful in running singles and doubles.
Meirion Jones, Maesybont, a regular Welsh team member and a member of the World Championship winning team last year.
Idris Morgan, Bontnewydd near Aberystwyth, a veteran trialist who has represented Wales on numerous occasions.
I B Jones, Capel Bangor, another regular member of the Welsh team and a trainer of note who has exported many successful dogs.
Nigel Watkins, Llanddeusant, a past Welsh captain and one of Wales' most successful trialists.
Stan Harden, Lamphey, one of the sport's great characters whose smile belies his serious intent.
Mrs Rona Davies, Betws Bledrws, Lampeter, who has represented Wales and is a leading breeder and trainer.
Sian Jones, Llangeitho, who has competed at every level. She trains her own dogs from nursery level upwards.
Bert Evans, Bronnant, a former Welsh team captain. Another fine trainer who has exported many successful dogs.
Jeff Evans, Swyddffynnon, a local trialist who trains his own dogs with excellent results."
Article written by Owain Schiavone
