ENGLISH OPEN ABT

HELD AT BYWELL SHOOTING GROUND

11/12^TH APRIL 2026

EAST MIDLANDS REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The English Open ABT is the first of the major championships in which regional teams compete against each other.  This year it was the turn of Bywell Shooting Ground to host the event.  Bywell is arguably one of the best shooting grounds in the entire country but being the most northern ground, shooters are often subject to the vagaries of the weather. 

Looking at the Facebook pictures you could be forgiven for thinking it was a beautiful calm sunny day but just goes to show that the camera does lie, as once you left the shelter of the buildings the wind was so fierce it blew over the abacus score boards so that gives you a flavour of what the shooters were up against!!

The East Midlands fielded a team in each category, albeit we struggled to put in full teams particularly in the senior team, nevertheless our teams acquitted themselves well with the ladies and junior teams picking up the medals.  Our two ladies, Elise Dixon (167) and Sue Bate (158), put in a very respectable combined score which put them well clear of the second placed North Region team as did our two juniors, Joshua Kind (175) and Rhys Dixon (157).

Elise’s performance over the weekend was outstanding.  Not only was she part of the East Midlands winning ladies team, but she was also Lady High Gun and picked up D class after a shoot off scoring a further 21.  She also earned the family bragging rights by beating brother, Rhys – that looks like a very successful weekend to me.

Joshua and Rhys were also amongst the individual medals with Joshua taking silver and Rhys bronze.

Other outstanding scores from East Midlands shooters which deserve a mention.  Last year’s champion, Oliver Sampson (Notts) scored 185, Shooter David Wright (Leics) 184 and Dave Sipling (Lincs) 183.

Many Thanks to Janet Stennett for compiling this report.