On a another fine but breezy day the third Bedfordshire qualifier was a pretty tough affair.  None of the “big boys” was in attendance with several large money shoots being available around the country so entry was down in AA.   This gave the A class guys a pretty good chance to have a shot at High Gun with both Andy Buck and Allan Goodes (Northants) rising to the challenge.  Challenge it was as well with several stands being testing and one, in particular, proving just too hard.  Andy has asked me to extend his apologies to those of us traumatised by Stand 11!  For the record the stand claimed 39 “polos” (including AC) with an average score of 1 ex 10.  Given this, most people’s scores were basically ten down on expectations.  An honourable mention must go to Adrian Jeffries who hit 6 on this stand. 
In the seniors Andy Buck was joint High Gun and top Bedfordshire man with a 79, a result which pulls him up into the final qualifying position for the Inter-Counties  team.  Stalwarts John Stanton, Fred Kidd and Steve Leonard were all close to Andy’s score and look assured of team places.  Similarly Glenn Moore and Andy Clifton also look safe bets.  With Jason Brocket carrying an 11 into the championship it now looks like a 4 or 5 horse race for the last three places where a single figure score for Jason, Andy Buck, Andy Nixon, Adrian or even yours truly could secure team slots.

Things are much more predictable in the other categories; Gill Whinett continues her perfect qualification with another win in Ladies with Lorna Leonard in hot pursuit results in the championship will decide which of Sally Wootton, Jane Littler  or Michala Hart join Gill and Lorna.

In Juniors the team is now decided and will be made up of Ben Pay, Joes Heast and Jack Nixon with David Ferriman taking the last slot if he shoots the championship.    A mention to Jack here – considering that everyone’s scores were 10 down on normal his 43 represents his best performance so far, well done Jack!

Last but not least our vets team looks like being Malcolm Jenkins who put in an excellent 76 yesterday and Lou Porter with two from Trevor Sharp, Pete Green and Roger Bravery.

The final qualification shoot is the Championship and Martin Scoley memorial to be shot on MONDAY 25th May at Sporting Targets.  Andrew has promised he and I can set up some stands using “the plantation” for this shoot to add just that bit extra to the championship, I hope to see you all there.

Full qualifying positions are below and the full results can be found here

JT