Shooting Report 25^th  February.

 

Only one match took place in the Hinckley and District Air Rifle League this week, the postponed fixture between Hinckley Phoenix and Taylor and Ayre.  Whilst having no impact on the League table, Phoenix could become runners up in the Bernard Yates Trophy, if they could win or draw the Yates competition.

Fortunately both teams were able to field their strongest squads, on form T&A were favourites for the League points, but with the Yates points dependant if you could at least equal your average score for the year to date, the form book was neutral.

Taylor and Ayre won the toss and elected to shoot first.  With all the first squad beating their average they scored maximum Yates points, and only missed the bull 5 times between them, Giles Headley top scoring with 30.  In reply Phoenix commenced with a 30 from Tony Overton, securing his Yates points, with the remainder of the first half also scoring maximum Yates points as well as equalling the T & A total.

After the break T&A again all scored maximum Yates points and only missed the bull 4 times, Darren Hicks with a fine maximum.  This meant that Phoenix, to win the League Match could only miss the bull 3 times and if they all beat their average they would share the Yates points, enough to make them runners up in this competition.

The first 2 Phoenix shooters, whilst beating their averages, dropped 4 points, leaving the last pair requiring maximums to draw the League match.  Ian Ratheram rose to the challenge with a fine 30, last man Geoff Herbert hit the bull with his first 2 shots, but missed with his 3^rd.  Maintaining his cool, his final 3 shots all found the bull, so Phoenix had secured the 1 Yates point required for the runners up gong.  Result Hinckley Phoenix 230 and 16, Taylor and Ayre 231 and 16.  Congratulations to all on some fine shooting.

Next week is the three way competition between the Bedworth, Nuneaton and Hinckley Air Rifle Leagues.  Hinckley have a good record in this the “Triple Town” competition and will be looking to maintain this.