So that’s it, another Winter League season wrapped up, air pistols cleaned, and targets shot. It’s been a tough season, no denying that, but it’s also been one that’s shown what this club is made of.
Let’s start with the 20-yard league. Our A Team didn’t just compete — they won Division 1. The B Team, also holding their own in Division 1, finished 5th, while the C Team placed 5th in Division 2. That might not seem headline-worthy at first glance, but considering the circumstances, it’s a solid result. Why? Because this season demanded flexibility. We lost two of our top shooters, and that meant rebalancing the teams. Pulling members from different teams is often challenging but it proved just how deep the talent runs in our club.
On the individual side of the 20-yard pistol, Chris Wallace took home the club competition title. I’d tipped him for the County Champion spot too, but he missed it by a whisker — just 2 points. Still, not all was lost, Chris did bag the Best Improved title, and deservedly so.
In that same event, Chloe Wallace made us proud winning Best Lady and Junior Champion with a display of focus and form well beyond her years. Meanwhile, Roger Cudmore clinched the Veterans’ title, adding another accolade to his long list.
Now let’s move to the 10m Winter League — a solo affair, where every shot rests squarely on your shoulders. We had some fine showings across the divisions:
- Div 2: Roger Cudmore, ever the steady hand, finished 2nd.
- Div 3: Barry Lang came in 4th.
- Div 4: Lindsay Agates claimed 1st, with Mike Taylor in 4th.
- Div 5: Chris Wallace came 1st, and Nathan Gibbons 5th.
- Div 6: Geoff Willis took 1st.
- Div 7: David Pay and Pete Hobbs took 1st and 2nd, respectively.
- Div 8: Giles Jackson placed 2nd, followed by David Hopkins (3rd) and Chris Burrow (5th).
- Div 9: Chloe Wallace topped the chart again with 1st, and Keith Langmead took 3rd.
- Div 10: A tight finish — Ella Tucker and Alexandra Followes tied on points, but Ella took 1st on aggregate. Alexandra followed in 2nd, but went on to win Best Improved, with Ella just behind in 2nd. Lindsay Agates also finished 2nd in the Ladies’ category.
Impressive shooting, all around.
Now, eyes forward and the Summer League is on the horizon. If you’ve already signed up, make sure your entry fee (£5.00 per event) is with me. Don’t make me chase you — I had to cover £30 last year out of my own pocket. If you haven’t entered yet, complete the online entry. There’s still time to enter.
Congratulations to everyone — whether you won or just held your nerve under pressure. This club’s strength isn’t in just its scores, but in the spirit of its shooters.
