Churchstoke finish with 100% record

Despite an incredible standard of shooting across the Montgomeryshire Airgun League over the past seven months, Churchstoke have finished the season with a winning record intact to take the title.

They clinched their final match against Crew Green A at the Courthouse to end the league season undefeated, but they were beaten twice by Guilsfield A in cup matches.

The visitors put up a spirited defence, which was led by their opening shooter, captain Ed Kelton who scored an excellent 35.6. But Malcolm Jukes replied with a possible of his own – a 35.4 – to see his team through to a 206.7-195.4 victory.

Elsewhere on the final day, Forden were searching for their first win of the season but found Llanfair Caereinion in form, particularly Dai Tom Williams who opened the account with a brilliant 35.6. Llanfair remained in control of the match to run out 195.0-186.0 winners, leaving their hosts empty handed for the season despite some plucky performances.

Guilsfield B’s Catherine Farmer shot an opening 35.1, but it wasn’t enough as visiting Castle Caereinion took hold of the match to win 199.3-190.7.

Their village rivals Guilsfield A secured runners-up spot with a win against Crew Green B with shooters in super form. Dave Knight (35.2), Dan Pritchard (35.4), Az Knight (35.5, a season PB) and Paul Phillips (35.2) all shot possibles. Joe Hilditch shot a 35.3 for Crew Green B to keep his team in touch but they eventually went down 206.8-199.3.

A six-shooting Newtown travelled to in-form Arddleen who ended the season with a flourish. John Davies led his team’s attack with an excellent 35.3 and, despite Tabitha Corbett’s 35.4, the visitors were unable to find an answer, shooting well below their season’s average to finish lose 206.4-192.3.

Eleven shooters scored possibles in the final week:

Catherine Farmer, GB (35.1); Dave Knight and Paul Phillips, GA (35.2); Joe Hilditch, CGB and John Davies, Arddleen (35.3); Dan Pritchard, GA, Malcolm Jukes, Churchstoke and Tabitha Corbett, Newtown (35.4); Az Knight, GA (35.5); Dai Tom Williams, Llanfair Caereinion and Edward Kelton, CGA (35.6).  The fact that so many shooters are capable of this standard of shooting after such a long and hard-fought season is testament to the skill and determination found in the league’s shooters and credit is certainly due to all of these excellent shots.

Shooter of the week – Catherine Farmer, of Guilsfield B. She left it late but scored a possible in this final encounter of the season.

Match of the week – Forden v Llanfair Caereinion showed that even at the lower end of the table we can often witness high quality shooting and that no team is an easy opponent.