This year’s 2024 ICTSC English Sporting Home International was hosted by the National Shooting Centre, Scotland with the targets being set by the experienced Stewart Cumming.
The targets were set to a good international standard and there was plenty to separate the best from the rest over the 100 targets and 15 stands. The course was a game of two halves with the first half being steady enough but with the clever use of simo pairs, speed and angles making simple targets look more difficult than they were presented. The second half of the course from stand 9 onwards started with more range and variety in wider openings and this was where the majority of targets had been lost by most shooters throughout the day.
The weather conditions were inconsistent throughout the day with some irregular gusts of wind, as well as the stop start drizzling showers making the shooting conditions and targets even more challenging. Only benefit of this weather being that it was overcast all day making all the targets visible leaving little to no eyetests.
The mood amongst the Welsh camp was one of optimism following the team meeting held by Team Manager, Nicola Walker, and Team Captain, Jacob O’Loughlin, who gave a good description of the course to be shot the following day.
The day started with the first squad going out at 9.30am with shooters from all nations apprehensive over the occasion and the day ahead. As the day progressed Team Wales were making steady progress in both the Junior and Senior teams, keeping us competitive with home favourites Scotland. Halfway through the day team Wales started to see some good scores come in with Junior Rhys Powell shooting a very good 85 and Mike Jones shooting a competitive 89. Following Joneses return, Richard ‘Brewster’ Hughes finished his round on a strong 87, putting Wales firmly in the hunt for the runners up spot behind England. With a strong field of Welsh shooters still to return, Bleddyn Lewis and Josh Keeble came in with respectable 84’s to contribute further to the team Wales points tally, and to round it off Matt Bodfish coming in at the end of the day with another 89 to equal Mike’s earlier score and tie for Wales overall high gun. The Veteran team also came home with respectable scores led by Peter Humphreys score of 83, which was good enough to put him in a shoot off for runner up veteran HG of the match.
On the conclusion of the day there was a first to miss shoot off held between Jones and Bodfish, with Jones coming out on top and making it the first time he’s ever taken this accolade, well shot BOTH!
There was also a 3 way shoot off for overall HG of the match between English man Billy Baughan and two Scots, Tom Young and Stuart Donaldson, after they all posted an incredible 93. Donaldson showed his experience by taking the honours in the shoot off by beating both Billy and Tom.
Congratulations must also go to all the new caps who donned their Wales team uniform with pride and stepped up to the challenge.
After the shoot everyone returned to the McDonald Inchyra Hotel in Falkirk to freshen up for the banquet where drinks started flowing and team photos were taken. All guests were treated to an excellent meal ahead of the awards ceremony and speeches, where Team Captain, Jacob O’Loughlin, was given his chance to shine.
TEAM AWARDS
Runners Up Senior Team
Runners Up Veteran Team
Runners Up Junior Team
The Daffodil Trophy (Wales v Scotland)
WALES HIGH GUN AWARDS
Overall HG – Mike Jones
Senior HG – Mike Jones
Senior Runner Up HG – Matt Bodfish
Junior HG – Rhys Powell
Ladies HG – Rebecca Adlam
Super Veteran HG – Mick Harding
OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS
SENIORS
England 885
Wales 842
Scotland 832
Nothern Ireland 811
Ireland 811
JUNIORS
England 172
Wales 165
Scotland 152
Ireland 150
Northern Ireland 135
LADIES
England 158
Scotland 153
Ireland 136
Wales 121
VETERANS
England 168
Wales 160
Scotland 157
Ireland 157
Northern Ireland 154
SUPER VETERANS
England 158
Scotland 151
Wales 147
Ireland 144
Northern Ireland 133
A special thanks to Team Manager, Nicola Walker, who stepped in to the role at short notice and did a fantastic job as always, which I’m sure all team members will agree. A thanks also goes to Jacob for accepting the captaincy and to do a speech infront of such a large crowd is not for the faint hearted and you did it well.
Lastly, a thanks to all the shooters and members who attend and shot the selections throughout the year and keep the Association rolling, it really is very much appreciated.
On to Wales H.I. 2025!!
Dan Rees – Sporting Rep.
Runner Up Senior Team
Runner Up Junior Team
Runner Up Veteran Team
The Thistle Trophy (Wales vs Scotland)
Wales Overall & Senior HG – Mike Jones
Wales Senior Runner Up – Matt Bodfish
Wales Ladies HG – Rebecca Adlam
Wales Junior HG – Rhys Powell
Wales Veteran HG – Peter Humphreys