Roderick Baker Cup Report - 18th March 2008

In the Roderick Baker competition which is contested by one representative from each league team plus last year’s winner of the trophy, Michelle Dale representing Binton A knocked out John Maycock, shooting for Wilmcote when she shot 4 clean bulls and 3 fours for 33.4pts.

Andy Morris defending his title, meant business when he stepped up to the mark and banged in 4 clean bulls and three dirty bulls for his second possible within a matter of days and 35.4pts. It was too good a performance for Steve Hodges who was representing the Home Guard team to beat.

Steve Ray, a previous winner of the trophy, shooting for Avenue-RBL met veteran MEB shooter Ray Warnock. Both men started with a four then went on to ring the bell six times for 34pts. Ray Warnock managed only one clean bull for 34.1pts but Steve Ray got two which resulted in a score of 34.2pts and put Ray Warnock out of the competition by just 0.1pt.

Will Troth had a bye match as Binton B failed to put forward a representative.

Michelle Dale came up against Andy Morris in the next round. Michelle was looking good with 3 bulls, 2 of them clean but her fourth pellet went into the fours before shooting 3 more bulls. With 34.3pts she set a high standard for Andy to follow. Not to be out shot, Andy came to the mark and shot 5 dirty bulls and 2 clean ones for his second possible of the evening which took him through to the final of the competition.

Will Troth who is proving to be a competent new junior shooter this season, shot steadily to score 30 but Steve Ray’s experience won through when he shot another 34 but with 3 clean bulls which put him into the final against Andy Morris.

Everyone was wondering whether Andy could shoot three possibles in one night. It was not to be, he started with a four but then went on to shoot six bulls, 4 of which were clean for 34.4pts. Steve Ray took his time to shoot a clean bull with his first pellet, then a dirt bull. His third pellet slipped into the four so it was a matter of clean versus dirty bulls. Steve shot 4 more bulls but they were all dirty to score 34.1 and so Andy retained the Roderick Baker Cup.

Report by Juana Everett (to be published 27th March 2008)