The final round of our club benchrest league attracted a good turnout, 18 competitors enjoyed some relatively benign weather conditions – dry, but with a moderate wind which varied in both strength and direction. Fortunately there were regular lulls – which enabled the more observant, and patient, shooters to recognise and utilise a pattern – while simultaneously keeping a close eye on the clock.Unusually, the outcome of today’s shoot couldn’t influence the final three placings in the overall league – in previous years the top shooters scores have been so close that the final round has invariably been critical in determining the eventual winner.Mike Smith took the honours this year, Alistair Teague was second, and Mark Whiteway third. This year’s competition really has seen the full gamut of Devon’s weather conditions – from the 50 mph gusts of storm Amy, to days offering wonderfully light breezes, when the true accuracy potential of both shooters and equipment could be realised.
With so many regular participants already capable of outstanding scores, and many of our newer shooters rapidly improving their skills and, in many cases, upgrading their equipment, 2026 is going to be an even more challenging year.
But before then we look forward another winter of inter-club rivalry with our friends from West Devon – I predict that the outcome will be a lot closer this time!
Paul. S.
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