Caradog Shoot 2008 Report
Contents
The Welsh Field Masters Tour 2008 kicked off on the 17th February with the Caradog Shoot, a Marked Animal Round. The tournament was hosted by Zenith Archers at their course near Hay on Wye. The temperature at the start of play was just minus six degrees. However, the chilly start did nothing to affect the turnout or the spririts of the competitors. Apart from the temperature the conditions were perfect for shooting and this made for some high scores, with several Welsh records broken.
As expected, the Gents Unlimited saw some close shooting. Geraint Thomas was on top form, having just returned from the Nimes Pro Shoot. After dropping two points near the start, Geraint recovered well and maintained a perfect score for the rest of the shoot. Not to be outdone, Welsh Coach Dave Home returned an identical score to tie first place. Andy Lewis of Llantwit Major was not far behind, taking 2nd place.
The Freestyle Recurve group also saw some close shooting with just 10 points making the difference. Mathew Symmonds started well, recording a perfect score for the first 21 targets. However a series of errors allowed Colin Ketley to catch up. However, Symmonds recovered towards the end to hang on for the win.
Paul Phillips of March Hare Archers had a good day having recently changed over from Bowhunter Recurve to Barebow Recurve. Paul's experience and ability to adapt served him well as he produced a superb score, beating Welsh Champion Mark Lunn into second position. Meanwhile, Yoke Lunn produced a career best performance in the Ladies Barebow Recurve group.
Andrew Lloyd demonstrated why he has earned a place on the Welsh Squad with a quality win in the Bowhunter Unlimited division. Despite coming up against some experienced opposition, Andrew performed well in this, his first full season in the division. Colin Gregory of Thornbury Archers was unable to catch Lloyd but managed to hold off Mike Penrose of Greenmeadow Bowmen to take second position.
Gary Hart of Hawk Archers had a less than perfect day with a series of errors which cost him points. In the event Gary had plenty left in the tank and still managed to win the Bowhunter Compound group with ease. Simon Edwards of March Hare put in an impressive performance to deny Zenith's Ben Lawson second position. It was a similar story in the Junior Bowhunter Compound group with Jake Reeves of Hawk Archers recording a superb score and the win on his Masters Tour debut.
Garfield Thomas also impressed with an excellent score in the Gents Longbow category. Despite this being Garfield's first Masters Tour shoot, he recorded a score that was just a few points off the Welsh record.
Stage 2 of the Welsh Masters Tour will take place on the 16th of March at the Fonmon Course. Round 2, the Llewelyn Fawr Shoot will feature the International Round, a 20 target variant on the well know Field Round. With Fonmon's steep terrain and challenging shots, Round 2 promises to present a challenge even for the most experienced competitors.
If you are interested in shooting Round 2 of the Tour, click here for details of how to enter.
Click here for a full results list