Mayflower Archers
Billericay, Essex
League match report - away to Ardleigh 21st June 2008
For some reason I was expecting a rather
damp affair, so having assembled my wet weather gear and a change of clothes
I was greeted with bright, sunny conditions and a howling gale.
The strong gusty winds from behind (not a consequence of the marvellous roast vegetable and bean wrap I had for lunch) affected all; everyone missed at least once, in fact it was relief to hear that re-assuring thud as the arrow hit the target. Of course there is always someone who tries to gain competitive advantage, yes our Chairman Ian was not above sneaking in a 7 arrow end! Also who could forget that excellent 50 yard sight mark that Trevor had for the Ascham shoot last month, well Trevor could! He had forgotten to write it down in his new book.
So having started badly the recriminations and boyish pranks started. Ian tried very hard to put off the opposition with his awful jokes, but received as good as he got, and then some. Robert covered Ian's sight with tape; it was touch and go whether Ian was going to spot it, as he got to full draw looking like he was going to use "the force" instead of his sight. Also earlier in the day Wendie had text Nigel to have a bit of a gloat, she had got a 6 gold end at 70 metres in equally blustery conditions at the County match in Osterley! That was red rag to a bull for Ian; he tried to call an emergency committee meeting to vote upon the chastisement of Wendie for putting County ahead of her Club.
But the wind was not the only thing we had to contend with. There was a dog show in close vicinity with all the paraphernalia and noise that goes with it; someone had taken their elephant/dog for walkies earlier in the day where it had proceeded to place a steamer right in front of the target at 60 yards. Dennis was kind enough to point it out to me, but to be honest I don't think Mr Magoo would have had too much trouble spotting that log.
As I said earlier everyone had a bad day but Mayflower somehow managed to win by 389 points.
Many thanks to Ardleigh who made us extremely welcome, a very fine friendly shoot and a great tea!
Martin.
The strong gusty winds from behind (not a consequence of the marvellous roast vegetable and bean wrap I had for lunch) affected all; everyone missed at least once, in fact it was relief to hear that re-assuring thud as the arrow hit the target. Of course there is always someone who tries to gain competitive advantage, yes our Chairman Ian was not above sneaking in a 7 arrow end! Also who could forget that excellent 50 yard sight mark that Trevor had for the Ascham shoot last month, well Trevor could! He had forgotten to write it down in his new book.
So having started badly the recriminations and boyish pranks started. Ian tried very hard to put off the opposition with his awful jokes, but received as good as he got, and then some. Robert covered Ian's sight with tape; it was touch and go whether Ian was going to spot it, as he got to full draw looking like he was going to use "the force" instead of his sight. Also earlier in the day Wendie had text Nigel to have a bit of a gloat, she had got a 6 gold end at 70 metres in equally blustery conditions at the County match in Osterley! That was red rag to a bull for Ian; he tried to call an emergency committee meeting to vote upon the chastisement of Wendie for putting County ahead of her Club.
But the wind was not the only thing we had to contend with. There was a dog show in close vicinity with all the paraphernalia and noise that goes with it; someone had taken their elephant/dog for walkies earlier in the day where it had proceeded to place a steamer right in front of the target at 60 yards. Dennis was kind enough to point it out to me, but to be honest I don't think Mr Magoo would have had too much trouble spotting that log.
As I said earlier everyone had a bad day but Mayflower somehow managed to win by 389 points.
Many thanks to Ardleigh who made us extremely welcome, a very fine friendly shoot and a great tea!
Martin.