Will Hewland Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 So, since site upgrade I cannot find content I started or posted in before the update. But it’s probably best to start a new thread for the sporting shoots, so that the three of us that post in it have a place. 😅 I will kick off. I did the EJ Churchill Challenge today, which runs from now until end of March. https://www.ejchurchill.com/churchillchallenge A good course for all I thought and fun to shoot. 9 stands, 8 of which use three traps in a sort of Super Sporting format. One stand has 20 targets over 6 traps and is easily the hardest part of the course. I was pretty happy with a 17/20 on that. Sadly I really cocked up two stands which were tough in the low sun, so brought my score down to 87 which won’t be anywhere near the mark, but I’ll have another go sometime. Recommend it as a fun varied course, something different and mostly not too tough. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 If the crap weather ever stops I might be tempted out again as my fitness is almost back to normal. Watch this space... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebo Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Not done a Reg shoot yet this year. Did a fair bit of practice over the Christmas period, getting used to having my o/u back and to the new stock. It's started to come back together, with shooting in the windy conditions we've had stopping me from hanging on to targets, which I was doing at the back end of last year. Things all came together last Sunday at the open comp at Willow Farm, 100 targets shot over 10 stands. I shot a 92, with 6 straights, 2 9's and 2 7's. I bottled it a bit on the last stand I shot, loading on the third pair thought to myself that with that pair I was guaranteed a 90 - promptly missed the pair! I was high gun when I went back to the clubhouse with my card, but a few minutes later Kevin Howland came in having shot a 94, so I ended up 2nd overall. Not a Reg shoot I know, but there were at least two cpsa AAA classified shooters there and they had a fairly big turn out, so I was really pleased to have finished with that score. 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 23 minutes ago, Bebo said: Not done a Reg shoot yet this year. Did a fair bit of practice over the Christmas period, getting used to having my o/u back and to the new stock. It's started to come back together, with shooting in the windy conditions we've had stopping me from hanging on to targets, which I was doing at the back end of last year. Things all came together last Sunday at the open comp at Willow Farm, 100 targets shot over 10 stands. I shot a 92, with 6 straights, 2 9's and 2 7's. I bottled it a bit on the last stand I shot, loading on the third pair thought to myself that with that pair I was guaranteed a 90 - promptly missed the pair! I was high gun when I went back to the clubhouse with my card, but a few minutes later Kevin Howland came in having shot a 94, so I ended up 2nd overall. Not a Reg shoot I know, but there were at least two cpsa AAA classified shooters there and they had a fairly big turn out, so I was really pleased to have finished with that score. Mega. Keep it going! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebo Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 2 minutes ago, Will Hewland said: Mega. Keep it going! I hope so, but think it might be quite a while before I have another day as good as that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 4 minutes ago, Bebo said: I hope so, but think it might be quite a while before I have another day as good as that! Trouble is, a good day comes when we are humble and not expecting it. Then it’s hard to forget it and be humble next time.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chippy Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Northampton on Sunday for me. Good round slightly spoilt by the wind, we shot with Carl bloxham never met him before but what a nice bloke. He gave us a masterclass of shooting in the wind by leaving the dancing about clays and shooting them after they settled. He shot a solid 93 I hit 82 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinj Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 18 hours ago, Will Hewland said: Trouble is, a good day comes when we are humble and not expecting it. Then it’s hard to forget it and be humble next time.. So very true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 Oxfordshire shooting school this am. Bloody awful! There was a great deal of wind and extremely bright low winter sun. I’m guessing neither of these were a factor when it was set up and nobody cared enough to either look at the forecast, or indeed change anything early this morning. So half the stands were a vision test in shadow, or due to looking into the sun. Plus clays were being blown around and different every time. One to forget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 I don't tend to comment much on shoots these days. I rarely have anything good to say (not my fault) and some ground owners are a bit precious and take offence. So I may only comment when I find a really well thought out and balanced shoot that is fair for every single competitor that attends. Things for clay grounds to consider if they want a glowing review are 1.Take account that it might be windy. 2. Don't use stupid colours on unsuitable backgrounds. 3. Short people attend shoots too. 4. Reg shoots are for cpsa members. Simples . Note to cpsa. If this is not the case then I don't need to renew this year? 5. Report folk who "lose" their score cards. It's for the greater good of shooting. 6. Look after your refs. They should not be filling up your traps whilst you ride round in a range rover. 7. We sometimes get sunshine in England. Enjoy 2023. Feel free to add to the list. Jasper P.s. Carl Bloxham is one of the good guys of shooting. Always has time. Lovely chap. Great Coach. Superb shot. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Brilliant post Jason. 1 hour ago, Will Hewland said: Oxfordshire shooting school this am. Bloody awful! There was a great deal of wind and extremely bright low winter sun. I’m guessing neither of these were a factor when it was set up and nobody cared enough to either look at the forecast, or indeed change anything early this morning. So half the stands were a vision test in shadow, or due to looking into the sun. Plus clays we’re being blown around and different every time. One to forget. It is Friday 13th Will... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 6 minutes ago, Westward said: Brilliant post Jason. It is Friday 13th Will... It did occur to me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 (edited) 2 hours ago, Will Hewland said: Oxfordshire shooting school this am. Bloody awful! There was a great deal of wind and extremely bright low winter sun. I’m guessing neither of these were a factor when it was set up and nobody cared enough to either look at the forecast, or indeed change anything early this morning. So half the stands were a vision test in shadow, or due to looking into the sun. Plus clays were being blown around and different every time. One to forget. Shot here once and it was OK. But it doesn't seem to attract the big names or a big entry. Unlike most of the other midweek events. Any particular reasons for this??? Jasper. Edited January 13 by jasper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 It's certainly a different experience. I've shot it a few times and it always seems quite claustrophobic especially on the stands with the huge bund walls. There are regulars who seem to have adapted to the ground but I can't say the same for me. Also they need to remember that very few of the punters are blessed with the eyesight and reactions of a teenager so an edge on curling midi at 50 yards with a window of barely 1 second isn't fair to most of us. Someone should send them Jasper's check list. 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 24 minutes ago, jasper said: Shot here once and it was OK. But it doesn't seem to attract the big names or a big entry. Unlike most of the other midweek events. Any particular reasons for this??? Jasper. It used to be 10 stands and fibre only which isn’t a great combo. I gave up going, then they made it 12 stands a few months ago so I’ve gone back. The courses are inconsistent. Last time I went I hit a 98! (OK I had a good day). Other times they decide to toughen it up and that usually means in a nasty tricky way. So, it can be decent for sure but it perhaps lacks the professional methodical setting that would improve it. It’s got a fine little clubhouse (with bizarrely good loos) and decent food, friendly refs etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 6 hours ago, Will Hewland said: Oxfordshire shooting school this am. Bloody awful! There was a great deal of wind and extremely bright low winter sun. I’m guessing neither of these were a factor when it was set up and nobody cared enough to either look at the forecast, or indeed change anything early this morning. So half the stands were a vision test in shadow, or due to looking into the sun. Plus clays were being blown around and different every time. One to forget. We shot Southdown’s 120 target New year shoot, as we didn’t enter until a few days before we were limited on what time I could get for 3 in same squad. Cannot remember exact time we started but out of 15 stands I would say at least 10 of them were so affected by the dazzling low sun it ruined the day. It wasnt the hardest shoot I’ve ever shot there and there was nothing wrong with the targets IF you could see them without being blinded and if they weren’t so wind affected. I shot roughly my average so wasn’t too bad but I’d not shot for 6 weeks and by the end of the 120 I was so tired I could hardly hold my gun up! Last 5 or so stands some of the targets mainly high up in the air and a few no birds so arms were aching and as I’d had a really busy December with work (I’ve taken early retirement and it was my last month) and doing extra days etc I felt it. New year and new challenges - joined the gym and working on upper body strength, we already do 4k a few times a week and we’ve joined the golf club for something different to do. A lot more mid week shooting coming on I think! We are shooting Coleys tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to that, it’s always an enjoyable course, friendly people and I may get to see Fred the ref who I adore!! I think Mr Pinnegar from this forum is in same squad as us so looking forward to meeting another forum member. Happy New Year to everyone 😘😘 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 (edited) Few off here at Coleys tomorrow. Good luck . Looks like we may need it. (with the wind). Please be aware of road closure in the area . See coleys web. Jasper. Edited January 13 by jasper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 See you both at Coleys I hope. 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sian Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 I’ve not been very present in the shooting world for a while mainly because we’ve been due an Independent Schools Inspectorate compliance inspection since joining ISA last April. They are far more particular than Ofsted and for this type of inspection it is simply pass or fail and my areas are arguably the most important parts which includes safeguarding so I’ve felt a very heavy pressure for months. It’s done now and whilst they were very nice people I felt like I was being interrogated by the gestapo for two solid days. Finally though I can go back to attending week day shoots more which I’m looking forward to. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Hewland Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 So, Ian Coleys today. Went to stand 1 at 12.30 and the heavens opened, blowing the rain in at an angle in an open field for a good 15 minutes. A very cold and wet start to the day. All in all a great course I thought, although I thought stand 11 was a bit unnecessary with two very tough long targets and most people were really suffering badly on it, myself included. Stand 10 I felt a bit robbed as it wasn't tough but the ref really slow buttoned the second bird on my first pair which then came when I thought it wouldn’t. Next pair he was super quick on the button, so that cost me two simple targets. Anyway, finished on 82, should have been a bit more but it was tough on last few stands as it was very cold too. I think HG was 93 with some big names way below that, so not an easy affair. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Looking forward to seeing you in the weeks ahead Sian 😘😘 I’ve not done much the last 6-8 weeks and am choosing where I’m going until spring. Cannot see the point in shooting in the snow/rain etc BUT we had booked into Coleys like Will and so we set off nice and early this morning, had a good drive down although it rained all the way, no lights in the loos (due to the building work) so that was fun fumbling around for the loo roll in the pitch black then hoping you actually got it in the loo 😂😂😂 Shoot was enjoyable but made tougher by the rain definitely. Had a good start then got to Stand 4 which was a close fast low looper with a driven o/r. A couple in the squad following us kept running to catch us up to watch the targets and one was continually giving the other one a running commentary including hold points/kill points etc and it just completely buggered me up, all I could hear was them and see their arms in my vision. Ended up with a 2/8 and gave myself a stern talking to then picked myself up and shot quite well after that. From stand 9 on it was chucking it down straight into your face and I felt so sorry for the lady reffing on 12, it was just a constant onslaught. Finished on 74 with 2 other ladies on 75 just pipping me but shot slightly above my average so got to be fairly happy considering the conditions. Stand 11 was a bit stiff but I hit a few and I saw the lovely Fred. Shot with Mr Pinnegar which was nice. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Okay, went to Meadowcroft yesterday. Pretty decent shoot I thought with enough testing targets to separate the the best from the likes of me. 12 stands, maybe 4 harder ones which is about right IMO. Only really had one meltdown stand, probably due to talking too much and not plugging my brain in before stepping up to shoot. There were some superstars there, Chris C, RF, Andy M and the Glos big guns but Martin M did it again with a stunning 98. amazing stuff! Thoroughly enjoyed myself, best day shooting since before the pandemic. Score was middling but shot some good stands and it all felt much better than the last few times out. Scores aren't up yet, no idea why. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinj Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 I went to Cottesloe Heath Bisley on Sunday for their monthly sporting club shoot (non reg.) there was nothing else on within reasonable distance and I was feeling the need to get out. It's a squadded 100 birder, open to non-members, you need to prebook/pay in advance. Book at least a week early to avoid disappointment. They seem to have made a decision to take away most of the longer targets making it a medium to soft shoot - ideal for anyone who wants to practice on some close to medium targets with no pressure, in nice surroundings. Included in the fee are "free" coffee and a bacon roll, there's also a pool shoot fibre wads only The next one's 19th Feb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebo Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 (edited) AGL for the Sportrap on Saturday. Really horrendous conditions to shoot in, with some target setting that didn't take the wind into account at all. A teal on one of the layouts was starting 50 yards out and blowing rapidly away from you. HG was 89 and there were AAA shooters in the 70s, which is indicative of the conditions / layouts. As for my performance, least said soonest mended. I've not shot Sportrap much, it was only my second Reg ever. If it starts raining in the middle of a layout is it normal etiquette to stop completely on your turn, take your glasses off, clean them, put them back on and then get ready to shoot again, on every occasion that it's your turn to shoot? I was just wiping mine off while the person before me was shooting and then keeping my head down to keep them clear until it was my turn. Sunday back to my local, Willow Farm, for the 100 bird open comp. Another wind affected shoot, but at least it was dry. Mucked up one stand, dropping the last two pairs, other than that I shot reasonably well, but too many 7's and 8s from 10 rather than 9's and 10's this week. Finished on 81, which was enough for a win in ladies. Edited January 17 by Bebo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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