The Gentlemen's Challenge 2012
Clay Pigeon Shooting at Orston Shooting Ground
As last year's venue had closed down, it was off to Orston Shooting Ground for a proper test of shooting prowess. Nobody had been before so it was a good surprise to arrive and find a better equipped and more professional "arena" - one obviously in keeping with the consummate talent bristling amongst the Challengers! In attendance were: Bob, Frank, Pete, John Grindey, Jason, Phil, Dave King, Keith, Bruce and Malcolm.
With a solid stance being one of the keys to accurate shooting, half the boys tucked into a brunch of bacon sandwiches in an effort to utilise the gravitational advantage of their buttie's lard content. Then it was off to the range. Rob, our mentor, suggested that we may get no further than this easy first target, depending on how we did. He didn't count on our seasoned shot, Bob, who stepped up to the plate first and scored...................zero! Fortunately, it was merely an amusing start as everyone, including Bob, greatly benefitted from Rob's excellent tuition.
There were some good performances, but not by Frank, Bruce, Phil or John! By the time the last clays were downed and the barrel smoke had cleared, all that remained was a third place shoot-off between Bob, Pete and Malcolm. Once the other two had both missed, Pete was given a little tactical advice by Rob and took third, much to the chagrin of Bob and Malcolm! "I thought of it anyway" and "I didn't ask him for it" was the best of Pete's simpering defence!
Cruising serenely to second place was Jason and.........finally.........at long last.........after more than two seasons.........and a succession of fourth places.........Dave King took his first win - congratulations!!!
After a quick sharpener at Barholm, the boys added to the furniture and soft furnishings fund at the Hare and Hounds while remarking how pleasant the scenery behind the bar had become!
Result:
1st Dave King
2nd Jason Morten
3rd Pete Milne