The Dragon shoot is held at Tondu range near Bridgend. It's a well ran, well attended, last electronic match of the year (well it was before Appleton got its electronic targets!!)
It was an early start for defending pairs Champions Mark and Simon. We nervously drove into Wales, Mark did the talking at the Welsh border and we were through, leaving the rain behind us.
It was a pleasant day at Tondu range, the Welsh had brought out the big guns with reigning British Champion Theo Dodds and Commonwealth Champion Dave Phelps attending, but it was Richard Lay (ex Ellesmere college shooter) who was to win the day with an excellent score of 619.5 especially considering he was also shooting the Welsh airgun championships the same weekend in Cardiff!
The weather was good with the sun out, but whilst the wind wasn't strong it was certainly tricky with rapid changes in direction and some gusts.
The match was shot on electronic targets with Mark and Simon scoring 613.1 and 617.1 respectively, not enough for any individual honours but enough to defend the previous year's pairs victory, with Richard Lay and Theo Dodds finishing one point behind.
Simon & Mark with their Dragons - Congratulations on defending the pairs Championship.
Both Mark and Simon had an extra shoot later in the day but neither could improve on their earlier scores. The long day had taken its toll.
The range is a great facility with megalink electronic targets that are smoothly ran by the organisers, as ever a friendly welcoming environment, with people pleased to see competitors traveling so far, you'll always be welcomed!
Simon Green.