inton
Social Club hosted the annual competition for the Roderick Baker trophy on
Tuesday 23 March. A representative from each of the league's teams took part,
together with the previous year's holder and runner up if needed to make eight
shooters. Ben Chamberlain representing Binton B was drawn against Michelle Dale
who represented Binton A. Ben shot four fours before getting into his stride
with three bulls for 31.2 points. Michelle shot a four then three bulls another
four and two more bulls for 33.2 points.Paul Clingan, last year's winner, shot six bulls and a four for 34.2 in his match against team mate Fred Williams from the MEB, who could only manage 29 points. Colin Fulford shooting for Home Guard, had a bye as Avenue-RBL were not represented. Andy Smith, last year's runner up met Andy Morris from Wilmcote, who true to form shot 34.3 to eliminate Andy from the competition.
In the semi final rounds, Michelle Dale shot another 33 points but Paul Clingan was on target and shot a possible with two clean bulls for 35.2 points for a place in the final. Colin Fulford dropped a four with his second pellet to give him 34.2 points. Andy Morris started with a four and with six bulls, shot another of his famed 34's but he shot three clean bulls to Colin's two and secured his place in the final by just 0.1 point.
Paul Clingan gave an accurate performance with three dirty bulls followed by four clean bulls for 35.4 points. Andy Morris started with two dirty bulls but a four spoiled his chance of a possible but he finished the match in style with four more bulls for a total of 34.1 points. Paul Clingan retained the trophy for another year.
Last Thursday the Four A Side Competition got underway with a preliminary match between Binton Beavers and the Flintstones at the Avenue Sports and Social Club. The Beavers gnawed away at the handicap they gave to the opposing team to win the match and went on to shoot against Electric Avenue, last year's winners of the competition. Though shooting on their home target, two of the Electric Avenue team had to shoot with unfamiliar guns. However, it was a close match which ended as the lights went out on Electric Avenue when Beavers pulled the plug to win by just one point.
A second preliminary match took place at Wilmcote Social Club between Home Guard's Rebels and MEB Boys. Rebel Colin Fulford and Steve Hodges both had cause for celebration with 34 points each which with 60 points from the Goodman brothers gave them victory over the MEB Boys who gave a less than sparkling performance. Rebels went on to shoot against a second team from the MEB - the Bright Sparks - comprising the ladies of the team and Fred Williams. The Rebels shot well with a 33 from Colin Fulford, Sam Goodman 32, Steve Hodges 31 and 28 from Ben Goodman to give a respectable score of 124. The Bright Sparks shot just about at par with the exception of Fred Williams who shot 34, three above his average to give the team a total of 123 points but with a two point handicap it was enough to crush the Rebels out of the competition.
Meanwhile at Binton Social Club, Binton B shot against Wilmcote on a par footing. This was a close match with just one three on the target from each team. Bill Fleming and Mike Perry both shot 33, Roy Clarke 32 and 31 from Gordon O'nions gave Binton 129 points. Wilmcote's Brian Adshead and Jon Packard both shot 33, John Maycock 32 and Paul Boazman's 30 gave them a total of 128 points. Binton B go through to the next round.