This weekend seen 3 archers away at the first of this year’s outdoor competitions. They travelled to Long Mynd archery in Church Stretton, near Shrewsbury for 2-day shoot. Nicknamed the “Blow Away the Cobwebs” shoot, it is a good chance to test your setup and transition from the shorter indoor ranges to the longer outdoor competitions for the summer month. However, as is the risk with April weather in the British Isles, and very unlike the shorts and sunglasses weather of this weekend in 2025, the archers were treated to the full spectrum of sun, wind, rain, sleet and mud.
Saturday was a double WA720, meaning 144 arrows at a distance of 50m. It was a slow start to the day, not helped by the constant change in weather. Unfortunately, as the day progress the conditions worsened and with only 24 arrows left the tournament organisers and judges were forced to call an early end. Fortunately, as it was so close to complete, the results were finalised on the current scores at the time and Rhys Moore, having taken a clear lead early in the day finished in 1st place. Ethan Moore and Aalin George both finished 2nd, which despite an eventful day was a good result all round.
Sunday was a WA720 ranking round and then progressing to head-to-head shoot offs in the afternoon. Thankfully the forecast was not as extreme as the previous day, and a full day’s competition was completed. Rhys Moore continued in form and place 1st in the ranking, with Ethan in 3rd. This was ultimately how they finished the afternoon as well with both taking a convincing win in their respective gold and bronze medal matches. Aalin also finishing in the same placing she started having secured a 3rd place in the rankings, went on to take the bronze medal.
Isle of Man Archery Club 