2017 Sydney Royal Judge Report, Mr Gavin Woods.

 

I was delighted to again be asked to adjudicate the Standard Langshan classes at this year’s Sydney Royal.

​

Overall whilst I was impressed with a few choice specimens I felt that the classes were both poorer numerically and in overall quality when compared to my previous appointment to the breed in Sydney.

​

2 Black Cocks displayed good breed characteristics but were badly in moult; as one would expect in April.

Only a single Black hen of good quality, not in top condition but her quality clearly evident.

Of the 7 or 8 Cockerels I could not find one that I felt was a top fowl. The winner was not quite ready but displayed good breed characteristics. The second place fowl was in good condition but was course in head structure and somewhat flat backed. The third place winner was a finely-boned fowl with some good breed structure. His comb let him down and was not quite completely feathered.

13 pullets with the winner a true representative of all the good qualities of the breed. Beautiful feather and green sheen; a great backline, lovely open face but comb was lacking a spike or two probably minimising chances for higher awards. She was an easy winner as Best Langshan. Minor placed fowl in this class represented the breed well.

​

Blues were low in number, however some nice fowl present. The winning Cockerel in particular, whilst not fully fit was very nice with good structure and lovely colour. The Hen although heavily in the moult was a quality fowl and was awarded reserve of colour.

​

White’s were only 3 in number……Sydney having gone from a stronghold of the variety to this numerically poor showing. A lovely Hen was the easy winner. No males exhibited.

​

I truly hope that this showing of this the most popular Soft Feathered breed is not representative of the overall state of the breed. I wish all breeders well and hope to see a better showing in Sydney for the 2017 Royal.

​

Gavin Woods.