BEDFORD WINS AT CAMBRIDGE

MATT BEDFORD - REGIONAL SPORTRAP CHAMPION 2013

Stunning weather welcomed the 79 shooters to the fabulous ground of Cambridge Gun Club for the East Midlands Regional Sportrap.

I have to confess it’s been a few months since I have ventured over the eastern side of the region and I was keen to see the progress of possibly the fastest growing ground in the country, and I was taken aback by the work that’s gone on and its surely only a matter of time before they are bestowed the honour of a Premier Plus Ground.

The facilities, from the magnificent clubhouse to the well-presented grounds are amongst the best in the country and I’m sure they will be holding some major shoots here in the not too distant future…ok that’s enough of the advert, but seriously if you haven’t been you are missing out on a real treat.

This year for the first time we added Saturday as an extra day for this shoot, and it was last year’s Champion Andy Jude from Suffolk that led the way with a score of 86.

On day two a few shooters got close but never really threatened Andy’s score until Cambridge regular Phil Gray scored 90 to stake his claim for the title, but by his admission he felt it was one or two shy of a winning score. Taylor Hedgecock edged Andy Jude back in the pecking order by bettering him by one and had virtually sewed up the junior title into the bargain.

The final rotation set off and it was difficult to see who was going to overtake or even challenge Phil, but Matt Bedford from Cambridge did just that and pipped Phil by one clay to take his first ever regional title. Phil settled for runner up and Cambs junior Taylor Hedgecock finished a fantastic third overall and comfortably won juniors by 12 clays, Josh Pearson also from Cambs was runner up and Norfolk junior George Townsend third.

LOUISE SMITH - LADIES SPORTRAP CHAMPION 2013

In Ladies it was 17 year old Northants Lady junior Louise Smith that became the latest shooter to make 2013 a year to burst onto the scene, her score of 62 was enough to take the title with Michele Conway of Cambs runner up, congratulations to Louise on her first regional title.

Barry Fox making the long trip from Nottinghamshire was well rewarded with the Veterans title from a healthy field of 31 entrants with a superb score of 86. Fred Kidd from Bedfordshire did enough to secure the runners up spot on 82 and Cambs regular and former Sportrap winner Brain Dunbavin took bronze on 80.

Many thanks to Mick, Karen and all the staff at CGC and we look forward to seeing you next month for the Intercounties Sporting.