Webley Report - Matches shot on the 7th & 14th January 2008

In only the second week of the Webley competition, Home Guard Club at Tiddington romped into the lead being the only team to have won both their matches. They saw the 10 bonus points from MEB edge away from them so that after three shooters the scores were even but the tide turned in Home Guard's favour when Steve Hodges put away four bulls for 32. Fred Williams pulled points back with his 32 but it was too late for MEB to recover. The final score was Home Guard 219 and MEB 216.

Knights fared no better against the full Binton A team which with only two exceptions all shot 30 or more points. Knights had 14 points in hand which Binton A slowly but surely pulled back as the match progressed. With eight threes on the board, Knights' score of 210 was no match for Binton's 216.

Binton B were at home to visitors Wilmcote, who were shooting with a handicap of 15pts. Throughout the match Wilmcote kept chipping away at the bonus points they had given to the Binton team but it proved too big a job and the final score was Binton B 218 and Wilmcote 213.

Last Thursday (14 Feb) - Home Guard continued their unbroken run of wins when they beat Knights 214 to 213. Both teams fielded eight shooters and Home Guard gave 4 bonus points to Knights. In the first half of the match it looked as if Knights stood a good chance of winning being in the lead by 9pts after 4 shooters but Home Guard mounted a rear action defence and pulled the points back slowly but surely. Derek Powers got the highest score in the match when he shot bulls except for two 4's for 33pts. Knights managed to shoot above their season average but they were no match the six Home Guard shooters who scored in the thirties to win the match after both teams disregarded their lowest scores.

Wilmcote shot against MEB with just one bonus point in hand but they didn't need it. Paul Clingan and Ray Warnock set the pace with 33 and 32pts respectively for MEB. Andy Morris famed for his 34's last year, returned to form to shoot six bulls and just one four with his last
pellet as did Alan Brookes. With the exception of Sheila Clarke who shot 32 the MEB middle ranks were disappointed with their scores. Anchor men Fred Williams and Dave Cross both shot 31 to give MEB a total of 217 after the lowest score was disregarded. Wilmcote were the more consistent team with only two scores below 30, one of which was not counted. Tom Morris started with a four but then went on to shoot six bulls for 34, John Maycock shot 31 and Lyn Brookes & Tim Stephens both shot 30 to give Wilmcote a win with 223pts to MEB's 217.

Avenue-RBL travelled to Binton to meet the Binton B team. For the first time in their history Avenue-RBL were required to give a bonus point to the opposing team. Jo Everett shot three bulls for 31 which when Rob Johnson shot 30 put the match on an even footing. Avenue-RBL saw the match slip away with too many threes on the board which left them with scores in the twenties. Binton's scores were not spectacular with Mike Perry being their only shooter with more than 30pts but Avenue-RBL were out of luck on the night. Guy Ganderton, shooting with an unfamiliar gun with a lighter trigger than he is used to, was unfortunate to hit an outer, but his son Dennis, who has returned to the area and is therefore now able to shoot for the team again, had better luck when he shot a personal best. Even Steve Ray had difficulty with Binton's very tight target scoring only 31. Both teams suffered when close fours just failed to ring bell. Binton B won this low scoring match 198 to 192pts.

The second round of the 4 A-side competition will take place on 21 Feb when Binton Buzzards will meet Knights; Wilmcote B will shoot against Avenue-RBL; MEB Ladies and Fred Williams will be matched against MEB Boys and Wilmcote A will meet Home Guard A. The first round of the Pairs competition will take place on 28 Feb at Wilmcote Sports & Social Club.

The League is supporting the Dogs for the Disabled charity this year and will hold a fundraiser quiz on Saturday 1 March at Wilmcote Club. Everyone welcome, whether a shooter or not - Phone Sheila on 01789 720340 to book your table.
 

Report by Juana Everett (to be published 21st February 2008)