The latest rotation of the Indoor targets brought up the Worcester. The Worcester is unique among the Indoor rounds in that arrows are shot in groups of five, the target is black and white, and the zones score from 5 down to one, giving a maximum score of 300. Most archers enjoy shooting the Worcester though, bizarrely, it is exactly the same size as the much-feared WA18. The Compounds shoot on a 5-spot target (to avoid arrow damage), all other bow types use a single face.
Rhys Moore grudgingly shot on Sunday, the Worcester being his least favourite round due to the fact he finds it so boring. Rhys inevitably shoots a maximum score, and this time was no exception. The other Compounds were simply there to make up the numbers. Among them was Chris Crompton who, after a slowish start, got into a rhythm and dropped only 14 points to secure second place. Pete Mumford, returning to shooting after surgery, shot solidly given that he was using an old bow with less poundage and no sight marks. He had to settle for last place but was generally happy with his performance. Lone Lady Compound Marie Hainge had a couple of misses which blotted an otherwise excellent scorecard.
The barebow trio of Stan Gorry, Ralf Mitchell and Colin Moore provided some drama on Sunday. Ralf, woefully out of practice having contracted the lurgy while off island, put his first arrow spectacularly wide of the mark. His second was much better, but his shooting remained erratic for most of the morning and third was the best he could hope for. Stan Gorry had the misfortune to have a nock break on him as he loosed which took all the force out of the shot, leaving the arrow to ‘belly flop’ onto the floor with a clatter. This, along with another miss in his first end, effectively ruined his chances and Colin Moore took the win, deservedly so, as he kept all his arrows on target.
Barbara Harris was the only senior lady Recurve in action on Sunday, so her victory was a given one. Nonetheless, Barbara put in a consistent shoot over the morning, perhaps reflecting the happier and more relaxed headspace she now occupies.
The real battle of the day was provided by the Gents Recurve division, specifically between Johnathan Gordon and Richard Hainge. The rivalry between the two men has increased over the weeks, each pushing the other to greater heights. It was noticeable on Sunday that Johnathan slowed down the rate at which he shot, taking his time and being more deliberate in style. Richard dropped just 2 points in the opening two ends, but Johnathan shot a perfect 50. He could not repeat the feat, but he kept inching away from Richard with each end shot. It was not until the final end that Richard managed to outscore Johnathan and claw back a few points, but it was too little, too late and Johnathan took the win by a margin of 10 points. Peter Howland had a much better week, but a few misses put a dent in his score.
Lula Brown was the only junior to complete the round, and she did so in style by recording a new pb to claim the win.
Worcester Results: Gents Compound- 1.R.Moore 60/300/60, 2.C.Crompton 60/286/46, 3.P.Mumford 57/259/31. Ladies Compound- M.Hainge 58/265/33. Gents Barebow- 1.C.Moore 60/236/18, 2.S.Gorry 58/204/10, 3.R.Mitchell 48/148/5. Ladies Recurve- B.Harris 60/266/25. Gents Recurve- 1.J.Gordon 60/282/43, 2.R.Hainge 60/272/35, 3.P.Howland 57/212/14. Junior Ladies Recurve- L.Brown 60/240/25pb.
Isle of Man Archery Club 