Thompson Cup Final, 17th April 2008

Old rivals MEB and Binton A met at the new Knight's venue in Tiddington to contest the final round of the Thompson Knock-out Cup. Both teams fielded eight shooters and there was some excellent shooting from members of both teams many of whom upped their game for the final, though it has to be said that the experienced top order failed to fire on all cylinders for Binton A which placed a great deal of pressure on the team's anchorman Neil Beningfield. MEB went into an early lead when with bulls and fours, Paul Clingan shot 33 and Ray Warnock 34 after the opening shooters for Binton A, Simon and Michelle Dale scored 31 and 30 respectively somewhat less that their best and Gary Hooper's 29. Binton A middle ranks fared better keeping the game alive as they pulled back points especially when Andy Smith and Alan Dyer both shot five bulls and fours for their 33pts. The MEB ladies shot next with solid scoring by Jan Beattie 30, Kath Williams 31 and Sheila Clarke 31. Ray Hodgkins and Fred Williams also shot 31 each followed by Gordon Spencer who shot 30 to bring the MEB's total to 251points. Binton A's John Parrott shot 31, Neil Bragg shot 32 and Neil Beningfield 30 bringing their team's total to 249points. The lowest score from each team was dropped which brought the totals down to MEB 221 and Binton A 220. The narrowest of wins for MEB.

It will be an interesting close to the season tonight, 24 April, when the final round of the Webley competition takes place. Binton A will meet MEB again - how will they fare on their home target? Home Guard will meet Wilmcote - can Home Guard snatch the Webley Shield from Binton B who have a bye and can only sit back and watch? and Knights will shoot against Avenue-RBL.
 

Report by Juana Everett (to be published 24th April 2008)