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ESP Management Report 2015

SPORTING TEAM MANAGER’S REPORT FOR AGM - 2015

 

Once again we held 5 selection shoots to select the team for the British Open at Garlands.

We welcomed 2 ‘new’ grounds - Bywell and Blackpool, as well as Oak Lodge, Park Lodge and Spennymoor.

 

All the shoots were well-attended, with a total entry of 723 - only 2 shooters below 2014 figures. Considering the torrential rain at Bywell, and high winds and Park Lodge (the England Team selection shoot ‘2-dayer’), I think this is a pretty decent turn-out. What I did find disappointing was the number of ‘clashes’ with other events on the weekends of our selection shoots, which had the net effect of taking entries away from ‘our’ shoots, especially among the top echelon of North shooters, and although we turned out a very formidable Regional Team at Garlands, I had the feeling that it was perhaps not our strongest team, given the level of talent we have in the North.

 

So it proved during Open week; once again we came in as bridesmaids in every category to East Midlands. This is becoming monotonous, and I hope in 2016 similar fixture clashes can be avoided, so we can turn a team out to be proud of, and show the country what the North really can do!

 

We did have some minor successes at the British Open - Glen Hunt won Grand-parent category, with last year’s winner, Phil Rowbottom coming runner-up, and Jack and Jon Garside taking the Parent & Child category.

 

Josh Bridges nailed the Sportrap Junior title.

 

The North Regional Sporting Championships were held at Oak Lodge - Les Rushworth was crowned North Region Champion for the first time.

 

Yorkshire Ladies kept up their run of form at The National Inter-Counties at Doveridge, taking their 4th title in 5 years - well done Linda, Vicky and Lyn.

 

Finally, dates are already penciled in for 2 selection shoots in 2016 - Oak Lodge 21st & 22nd May (England Team selection shoot) at Oak Lodge and Bywell 30th April/1st May - also 2 days, and with a surprise prize structure to be announced by the ground nearer the date.

 

 

Terry Deakin.