Success at the FITASC Africa Sporting and Compak Championships

As all Brexiteers know, there is a big world out there and a large chunk of it is Africa.  The FITASC Africa Sporting and Compak Championships this year were held in March at Valley Gun Club, situated in the majestic wine regions north of Cape Town between Paarl and Durbanville.  Comprising three back to back events of 200 targets each, the first fixture was the Africa FITASC Sporting Grand Prix.  As a Beretta World Cup event it attracted competitors from more than 21 countries, including a contingent of shooters from Great Britain, all battling it out over 2 days. 

George Digweed took High Gun and Tony Dean put in a strong performance to take top place and the gold medal in seniors, scoring 180 x 200, closely beating a strong South African contingent into second and third place.

The second weekend saw an even bigger entry compete for the FITASC Compak Championship, comprising 8 separate 25 target layouts over 2 days.  As the temperature soared, so did the scores.  Hot winds created tricky conditions on some layouts and total concentration was the key.  When the dust settled Tony, averaging 24 ex 25 on the 8 rounds (this is not skeet), finished on 192 ex 200 to take the silver medal in seniors, just 3 targets adrift of the final High Gun slot which went to Tim Hubner from South Africa.  It delivered a 1, 2, 3 for Great Britain with Martin Papworth and Phil Smith also on the podium.

Also flying the flag for Great Britain, "Monty" from ProMatic was presented with an award for services rendered in assisting with the course design, setting out the traps, and ensuring all the layouts ran smoothly, and selling a few traps in the process.

All in all another good showcase for GB's talent with many new friends and clients, some of whom will be visiting our shores this summer for the World FITASC Championships at Churchills.  I hope they receive as warm a welcome as we did in South Africa.  Rumour has it that next years' Africa Championships will be in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls and all that!)  Why not start planning your trip now?  Our politicians may not be able to organise a tasting in a winery, but we can!!

Shiron Dean