BENTHAM Auction Mart's annual Super Two Challenge was once again highly competitive, giving judge Tom Shepherdson a difficult task.

Championship honours were eventually awarded to regular consignors, Taylor Brothers, of Rathmell, for a solid pair of 43kg Beltex x Lambs which later sold to the judge for £190 per head (442p/kg).

The reserve rosette went to Richard Lancaster, of Clitheroe, for his 39kg Beltex x lambs, just ahead of father Ian’s 42kg lambs in third place. Both pairs realised £136 per head, selling to Andrew Atkinson for Hartshead Meats.

Taylor Brothers took fourth place, with their 40kg lambs selling at £121 to Hartshead Meats, while a pair of Charollais x Beltex lambs from John and Jean Bradley, of Penny Grange, Giggleswick, clinched the fifth prize rosette. Weighing 38kg, they sold to Vivers Scot Lamb for £99.

A mart spokesman said: "All vendors with hoggs out for the show should be congratulated on the quality and presentation of their entries, with 15 pairs of tremendous quality hoggs placed in front of the judge."

Away from the show there was an increased entry of 3489 hoggs with some noticeable consignments of well-finished sheep. With a ringside of 16 active buyers, an overall average of 188p was achieved.