inton A retained the Thompson Knock Out Cup when they defeated MEB on a neutral target set up at Avenue Sports & Social Club last Thursday. Binton shooters Paul Clingan, Michelle Dale and Will Cemis all shot 33, Andy Smith and Alan dyer shot 32, John Parrott shot 31 and Neil Bragg shot 29 which gave them a total score of 223 points which was 2 above their league average. MEB’s Fred Williams and Ray Hodgkins both shot 32, Jan Beattie shot 31 and Kath Williams shot 30 but the rest of the team performed below par with a smattering of threes on the target. They fielded eight shooters so the lowest score was scratched which left them with 209 points which was just below their league average.

A paper target competition which was originally run some years ago between representatives from the Evesham, Redditch and Worcester leagues was resurrected by the Evesham League at Badsey Clinton last Wednesday, with Stratford taking Worcester’s place in the competition. Six shooters from each league shot and the combined score of all team members determines the team’s total score. Shooters shot from 6 metres which is a compromise between the 6 & 7 yards that the different leagues shoot at. Each paper target provides the individual shooter with six targets and two targets reserved for sighters. Due to the increased distance the bullseye is slightly bigger than Stratford shooters are used to. In the centre of the bull is a tiny white dot. If the pellet touches or removes this dot then the shooter scores 6 (a clean bull). The highest possible score being six “clean” bulls – 36 points. Also inside the bull is a white ring. If this ring is removed or touched then the shooter scores 5 – a “dirty” bull. Close calls are measured using a gauge to check the score. The target also has outer rings for lower scores for shots further from the bull.

Evesham’s Team came out with the best score, 193 which included Miss A Lewis’ five “clean” bulls and one “dirty bull. Stratford’s team came in second place with 189 points which included 33 scored by Andy Smith and Steve Ray and Redditch scored 174 with R Dyer shooting three “clean” bulls, two “dirty bulls and a four for 32 points. It is hoped another competition can be arranged next season.