SHOOT OFF SEPERATES NORTHANTS HOTSHOTS

Northampton Shooting Ground was our host venue for the first time this season, with the East Midlands Skeet titles up for grabs.

With three of the current champions away on other duties, plus Joy Hirons from Leicestershire back on the scene and keen to get her hands back on the lady’s title she had held for four years, but was unable to defend last year, we were guaranteed to be in for a good days shooting.

The early weather forecast of a fine day sadly never came to fruition, and the early squads tried their best to dodge the showers, and on one occasion proceedings were called to a halt, as unrelenting rain bucketed down on the competitors.

Thankfully, the remainder of the day was shot in much better conditions, and with the better weather the scores started to improve, Northants shooter Leon Gill sitting precariously at the top of the leader board at the halfway point with 97/100.

In seniors, it was basically all about the Northants shooters, Jo Smith topped Leon’s score to take the lead on 99, but with Neil Faulkner, Mick Russell, Stuart Lobley and Dave Morgan all just setting out, you could just feel that a ton was on the cards.

The straights rattled off one after the other, but gradually the field was whittled down to just Morgan & Faulkner, and it came as no surprise to see the pair record tons.

In the shoot off, it was Dave Morgan in his first attempt at this title after moving into the region a couple of years ago that prevailed, Dave once again dispatching the 25 targets to balls of dust, with just one target escaping Neil’s gun leaving him to settle for silver. Mick Russell was awarded the bronze medal as sadly Jo Smith had left the ground and was not available for the shoot off.

In ladies, it was Joy Hirons that took the title back from Northants shooter Isabel Russell, finishing on 96/100 just two targets in front, and giving her a fifth win in this championship. Jenny Hilton made the long trip down from Nottingham worthwhile by taking the bronze medal with a score of 92.

In juniors, it was another Northants shooter Ollie Main who took the title with a score of 95/100, he was two clays clear of Bedfordshire shooter A Hallybone, who in turn was clear of Northants Colt Sonny Bowman and Northants Junior lady Kirstin Vogel who were tied on 86/100.

In the shoot off Kirstin opened the door to Sonny by missing the first target out, and then promptly slammed it back closed again dispatching the next 24 giving her the bronze medal, but it was a great effort by Sonny who is aiming to represent Northants later in the year at the Intercounties Skeet to be held at Eriswell Lodge.

In veterans, a healthy entry of 17 shooters ensured a high standard, and it was just one target separating the first three home, with John Miller of Nottinghamshire finishing all square with Robbie Manning of Suffolk on 97 at the top of the leaderboard, and Mike Burton of Lincolnshire one target back in bronze.

Sadly, Robbie had left the ground by the time the shoot offs were held giving John the Vets title for the first time, and 26 years after winning the senior title.

Thanks as always to Northampton SG was hosting the event and we look forward to returning there in a few weeks time for the Intercounties All Round.