This year’s 2024 ICTSC English Skeet Home International was hosted by Fauxdegla Shooting Ground, Wales on 23rd & 24th of August.
The skeet weekend began with team members either arriving on Wednesday or Thursday for a practice. The weather on Thursday morning put many off meaning many shooters wanted a shot in the afternoon when the rain had eased. Although this made it busy, it was lovely to get together as a team to support each other. The draw was done in the afternoon and squads were announced in the captain’s dinner on Thursday evening 22nd August. With the majority of the team staying in the same hotel, we booked the function room and enjoyed a 3 course meal. As captain, I gave a small speech particularly welcoming the new caps and wishing everyone luck for the following two days. Team members were also presented with a goody bag of captain’s gifts before the evening came to an end.
Friday morning greeted us with a bit of a challenge with very strong winds. This made the targets impossible to set and everyone was pleased to hear the start of the day had been pushed back to allow the wind time to settle a little. With the wind still playing with the targets, 25 straights were few and far between (although there were 3 incredible 99/100 by the end of the day!) There were some good scores by members of the Welsh team putting the categories in good positions after day 1. New cap 14 year old Charlie Cunliffe shot an incredible 92/100 at his first international having only been shooting clays for a very short time.
Saturday saw better weather conditions for the final 50 targets. The team spirit was great amongst the Welsh shooters and the support for each other was invaluable. Once all the scores were in, it was time for the shoot offs. It was great to see so many watching and supporting the shooters of all nations – this really gave a ‘Skeet family’ feel. Wales saw Nigel Hodson and Robert Fretwell shooting off for senior runners up. Rob had some costly issues with his gun and Nigel became senior runner up with a 25 straight. Dave Tavenor and Lloyd Morris also had a shoot off for Welsh super veterans high gun with Dave taking the title. There were 2 England shooters contesting for high gun of the match. Martin Walmsley and junior Ethan Lord put on a fantastic performance of pairs on peg 4 following a 25 straight with Martin being crowned over all high gun.
Saturday evening, teams all gathered in The Crown Plaza, Chester for photos and the banquet which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many members of the Welsh team continued the team spirit and enjoyed a few beverages in Chester town before heading back to the hotel.
TEAM AWARDS
Runners Up Veteran Team
Runners Up Super Veteran Team
Dragon Cup (Wales v Scotland)
WALES HIGH GUN AWARDS
Overall HG – Christopher Hughes
Senior HG – Christopher Hughes
Senior Runner Up HG – Nigel Hodson
Junior HG – Charlie Cunliffe
Ladies HG – Laura Lewis
Veteran HG – David Thomas
Super Veteran HG – Dave Tavenor
OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS
SENIORS
England 722
Nothern Ireland 719
Scotland 711
Ireland 711
Wales 710
Jersey 702
JUNIORS
England 290
Northern Ireland 268
Wales 264
Ireland 260
Scotland 132
LADIES
Scotland 287
England 286
Wales 266
Jersey 256
Ireland 255
Northen Ireland 229
VETERANS
England 289
Wales 279
Jersey 274
Northern Ireland 271
Scotland 270
Ireland 260
SUPER VETERANS
England 291
Wales 282
Jersey 276
Northern Ireland 275
Scotland 268
Ireland 248
Thank you to all the shooters and members who attend and shot the selections throughout the year; it really is very much appreciated. Here’s to the 2025 season!
Laura Lewis – Skeet Captain 2024