ALL ROUND DOMINATION

Leg one of the Inter Counties Championships over 6 disciplines kicked off at Northampton Shooting Ground yesterday (August 8^th)and it was the turn of the All Rounder’s to get things under way. Bright sunny spells with a light breeze gave way to light cloud in the mid to late afternoon but on the whole just about perfect shooting weather with only the midday sun bothering shooters on stand three of the Sporting layout.

Traditionally Northants, Norfolk and Suffolk have dominated the Senior event in the last few years but today was going to throw up a dark horse that came oh so close to snatching victory when some were already talking of  victory.

Bedfordshire Seniors took an early lead on 526 with Steve Whinnett 94 top scoring but a handful of Northants shooters had already posted some good scores and it was obvious that the leading total was going to be bettered and some. Northants recorded a few more 90+ efforts and pushed the leading score to a whopping 551, top scoring Les Sperling 96 led the way ably assisted by James Lacey 93, Mick Russell 92, Bob Franks 91, Mike Rolstone 90, Steve Smith 89 and Bob Meadows and Chris Bramble both on 85.

A few Counties managed the odd score in the nineties but that was it and Counties fell away one by one, but late on very quietly the Leicestershire outfit sneaked in under the radar led by Adam Curtis of Grange Farm fame with a score of 96 ably backed up by some equally good scores which sent some worried looks round the clubhouse and more than one person was hurriedly adding the scores up on their mobile phone. Sadly the team of Arnie Heister 87, Steve Brightwell 91, Iain Walker 76, Gary Greet 85, Toby Reed 94, Richard Watkins 93 and Steve Dyson 77 finished just 5 clays behind with a total of 546 and had to settle for runners up to the victorious Northants Seniors who have now won this title 4 times in the last six years.

Team Leics - Toby Reed, Steve Brightwell, Rachel Willcock, Adam Curtis & Iain Waker.

This now gives Northants an early lead in the Directors Trophy which is being run for the first time, for more details on this go to DIRECTORS TROPHY.

Just three clays separated first and second in the Ladies Team event, the Northants trio of Mo Sentance, Izzy Thorogood and Rose Palmer shot early in the day and notched up a team score of 159 with Mo top scoring on 84. Lincolnshire duo Jan Stennett 79 and Tracey Bridge 77 came closest to spoiling the Northants party with a team score of 156 and Becky Bream’s 86 late on for Nott’s also threatened but to no avail as the trio made it a memorable day for Northants.

The Vets team event is always keenly contested and this year Suffolk climbed to the top of the pile but as always the margin was very narrow with less than ten clays separating the top five teams, David Bishop 89 top scored for the Suffolk team ably backed by Spencer Basham 88, Dixie Dykes 82 and Barry Baxter 72.

Northants juniors put the icing on the cake to make it a memorable day for the home County winning the Junior Team title by a wide margin of 15 clays with a score of 165, England Junior International Skeet shooter Ashley Sharman 90 top scored for Northants once again proving he can tackle most disciplines, Loz Slater 69 and Simon Edwards 75 completed the winning line up.

Ashley Sharman - The James Hinkins Trophy Winner

Ashley was also awarded the James Hinkins Trophy for the Junior High Gun. This trophy was kindly donated by Mike Williams formerly of High Tower Gun Club and now the Technical Manager at CPSA HQ in memory of James who shot for Norfolk and had dominated All Round in Juniors throughout  the region for a number of years.

Finally thank you to the 119 shooters and team managers who made the effort to represent their Counties, we realise that price increases in shells and fuel are making it ever increasingly difficult to get out and shoot and your continued support is very much appreciated.

Of course these events don’t run by themselves and it is a logistical nightmare on occasions, a small band of people work long and hard to make these events what they are and they all deserve our thanks – So Cheers Northampton, Job Well Done!!

To see the full days result Click Here.

Money in Classes

AA Joint 1^st – Les Sperling / Adam Curtis

AA 3^rd – Steve Whinnett

AA 4^th – James Lacey

A Joint 1^st – Chris Morris / Toby Reed

A 3^rd – RJ Watkins

A 4^th – P Barnard

A 5^th – Rob Butters

A 6^th – Kyle Woodhall Cross

B 1^st – Bob Meadows

B Joint 2^nd – Joe Booth / J Stephenson

C 1^st – C Whatton

C 2^nd – Rachel Willcock