EAST MIDLANDS INTERCOUNTIES ALL ROUND

HELD AT ERISWELL LODGE SHOOTING GROUND

ON SUNDAY 9^TH OCTOBER

The usual array of East Midlands county flags greeted competitors as they entered Eriswell Lodge Shooting Ground for the penultimate shoot in the East Midlands Director’s Trophy series.  As you might expect, it was well attended with many counties wheeling out their superstars to try and squeeze an extra point out of the day.

The weather could not have been kinder.  The sun shone all day but the stiff breeze which accompanied it made sure that every target had to be thought about.

As the home team, Suffolk were out first so they provided the benchmark for all to follow with both Adrian Cook (seniors) and Tony Rogers (vets) recording a 90.  It didn’t take long before neighbouring Norfolk took over pole position in seniors with some superb scoring from Richard Bunning and Jason Matthewson both on 91 giving them a senior team score of 528, 11 targets above Suffolk.  Would it be enough? – well the answer was NO.  With the furthest to travel, the Nottinghamshire squads were the last of the day and they were absolutely on a mission.  Kev Warner (98), Russ Hufton (93), Rob Denoon (92), Ben Hunt (88), Darren Watkinson (87), Tony Clark (81), Paul Buckley (77) and Robin Ellis (69) giving them a team score of 539.  This was a superb team effort and gave them a well-deserved win. 

In the veteran’s category, Tony Rogers and teammates, Robbie Manning and Neil Bilverstone claimed the glassware for Suffolk beating Norfolk by 8 points.

Suffolk Veterans

Suffolk’s junior team were led to victory by 16-year-old Jasper Pearce on a score of 89 backed up by Robert Kingston (78) and Henry Lungley (74).  Jasper’s superb score, which would not have been misplaced in a senior team, was well good enough to give him Junior High Gun as well as the James Hinkins Trophy awarded to the highest scoring junior irrespective of their team category.

 

Jasper Pearce with James Hinkins Trophy

Five ladies’ teams battled it out for the team honours in this category with, once again, Suffolk putting in a good showing, but the Lincolnshire ladies were able to hold off their challenge with some very consistent scoring from their girls.  Georgina Barratt set the pace by straightening the single barrel, but everyone rose to the challenge with Georgina finishing on 79, Rosie Parkinson also on 79, Saira Boardman (70) and Liz MacGreggor White (61)

Lincolnshire Ladies’ Team

L-R : Liz MacGreggor White, Georgina Barratt & Saira Boardman

Congratulations to the winning teams, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire and to all those who took part.  Thanks, as always, to the team managers who work so hard to get everyone there and a special thanks to Stuart Smith and all of the team at Eriswell Lodge.  This shoot was superbly run and although for some it was a very long way it was a pleasure to be there.  In addition to the normal competition prize money, Eriswell Lodge themselves sponsored an additional prize fund of £75 for the high gun in each class (AA, A, B, and C) all in all making it a very successful day.