Two Boglets are celebrating their successes at the Junior National Championships held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre over the weekend of 3rd and 4th July 2010.
Zoë Smethurst and Amy Spicknell, supported by a large contingent of friends and family both shot Bristol rounds in very testing conditions on Sunday.
Despite good weather on Saturday, the wind on Sunday reached epic proportions and after 4 dozen arrows and an early lunch the decision was make to shorten the shoot to 8 dozen and substitute the equivalent Western rounds.
There was obvious disappointment that the full rounds would not be completed but as the bosses at the less sheltered side of the field were spending more time on the floor than upright it was definitely the right decision.
Amy, in the jaws of the wind had the unenviable task of shooting on the same detail with Aalin George, arguably the number 1 junior compound archer in the country at the moment. Despite multiple hold-ups for bosses falling over and equipment failure, she shot a personal best score for the Western of 610 after only 8 months shooting compound.
Zoë, on target 1 and in the shelter of the trees, fared much better wind-wise, however the pine cones falling off the trees and bouncing down the hill like bombs were a hazard in themselves. She shot 102 in her first dozen never looked back ending with 2 6-gold ends and a score of 792 for a Short Junior Western, putting her in first place for the U-12 recurve girls category.
It was a great weekend – despite a few mishaps with coaches and equipment (!) with lots of new friendships made and some excellent shooting in varying conditions. Thanks to everyone who went and hope everyone is already looking to the trip next year.
