FITASC Sporting

FITASC Sporting Selection Shoot April 17 &18 2010 At West Midlands SG (Hodnet) Technical Report
 
Technical
 
West Midlands SG is a Premier Plus Shooting Ground and was the venue for the for the UK Championships it was also the cut off for the 2010 European Team FITASC Sporting GB Team selection.137 competitors took part.
 
The ground owner and course designer was Mr Tom Jones with administration provided by Heather Heywood
 
The competition ran over 3 layouts new system, Hodnet, Hawkstone and Danswell; with new shooting positions and layouts provided for the second day's competition; effectively there were 6 layouts.
 
The ground and shooting areas were immaculately prepared for the event with the majority of traps concealed from the shooting positions.
 
Target presentation was exceptionally good with no impact from sunlight on target visibility. The weather conditions were as near perfect as you could get.
 
There was only one major failure, this occurred on the Hawkstone layout typically with the last squad of the day; requiring a trap replacement, it was dealt with quickly. Day one finished on time, day two completed a half an hour early.
 
Hugh Smith assessed the targets on Friday the 16 April, all targets where of a high standard, they were visible with varying speeds, distance, heights, colours and angles, minor changes were made during the inspection. All layouts were a credit to the course designer Tom Jones.
 
The facilities at West Midlands easily meet the standard required of a Premier Plus ground.
 
The scores were computed and maintained by Heather Heywood, unfortunately the CPSA programme was not available; Heather maintained the scores through a quickly designed spread sheet that was adequate but impacted the display of results and also added complications in the final reconciliation of the scores on completion of the event.
 
Shoot offs were required for Class A and C positions as there were trophies to be awarded. The Shoot offs were performed over a 25 target 3 position old system layout. The A class result was finally decided in a sudden death final with Paul Bachelor narrowly beating Stuart Rudling after 2 further targets i.e. PB 22 +2 SR 22 +1.
 
Competition
 
The first day's results returned scores a little lower than expected with the highest scores 66 ex 75; never the less, there were a number of 24 ex 25 and one 25 straight by John Price on the Hodnet layout. Unfortunately John was overcome by a stomach bug and was not able to compete on day 2. Leading the field was Willy Thatcher (Senior) and Steve Brightwell (Vet).
The lead Lady was Pet Easton on 54 with Dee Ward and Janine Preece 52 June Speakman 50.
 
Juniors lead was Chris Papworth 58 Harry Seal and Luke Llewellen 57.
 
Veterans lead Steve Brightwell 66 Graham Stirzaker 64 and Brian Dunbavin 62.
 
S/Vets lead Paddy Howe 57 Paul Buckley and Steve Checkett 56.
 
Day two started with ideal warm and dry good weather conditions.
 
The change of targets and positions now reflected a step change in to day ones targets, new perspectives added to the test of competitor's skills. Targets were presented below the shooting position and also there were many variations of high driven targets with targets also being thrown down hill with pace. However, John Bidwell returned to form posting 25 straight on the Hawkstone layout and host of 24s, 23s and 22s were recorded on all layouts.
 
The 129 was the winning score posted by Kevin Jobling one target clear of Steve Brightwell, Paul bachelor and Stuart Ruddling 128.
 
Rules and Regulations
 
A competitor has the right to question a Referees decision whilst on/in the shooting position. Once the Referee announces their final decision the competitor must then continue with their next target within 20 seconds. No further discussion will then be entered into.
 
It is far better to get on with the job in hand i.e. shooting targets than festering over what may or may not seem to be a harsh decision, that said; Referees should be aware that their decisions may well influence the result of the competition and a little humility will go a long way with the customer.
 
Enough said.
 
Final placings were:
 
Seniors: K Jobling 129, P Bachelor 128 +22 +2, S Rudling 128 + 22 + 1.
 
Ladies: JM Preece 107, P Easton 105, Dee Ward 105
 
Juniors: C Papworth 117, H Seal 110, L Llewellen 108
 
Vets: S Brightwell 128, J Bidwell 127, G Stirzaker 126
 
S/Vets: W Joyce 119, P Howe 118, A Coy 114
 
Full results for all classes and categories including the new Rankings list are available here:

Download FSP Hodnet Scores 2010

Download FSP Rankings April 2010

 

 
GB Team Selection
 
This event was also the cut off for the FITASC Sporting GB European Teams. Many of the competitors have found it hard in these difficult financial times to commit to travelling to Russia St Petersburg and as such it is expected, reluctantly, that there will not be a full GB squad i.e. 5 teams entered for the Europeans.
 
The names of those selected in accordance with the 2010 selection criteria to represent GB in their respective catagories will be announced within the next few days on the BICTSF web site at: www.bictsf.com
 
Conclusion:
 
A very good event championship event and team selection shoot. A comment passed from a French resident of the UK was that it was an event that ranked in his opinion as a very good European event; high praise indeed and I whole heartedly agree.
 
Nick Woodward ran yet again another successful raffle thanks for your efforts Nick.
 

Hugh Smith
Chairman FITASC Sporting