Arundown Portsmouth Tournament, Sunday 18th November 2007

The results of the Arundown Portsmouth Tournament have now been published and can be found here. Congratulations to the medal winners and thanks to everyone taking part for making the day thoroughly enjoyable.

Notable performances from Arundown members included medals for Emily Cobden and Rebecca Tucknott in the Junior Ladies Under 13 Recurve and Under 16 Recurve respectively, while Isaac Rowlatt-Harrod improved on his last competition score by more than 70 points to finish in second place behind Sam Randall of Chichester Bowmen in the Junior Gents Under 12 Recurve. There is more and better still to come from these young archers, especially Isaac when he learns not to be surprised at hitting the gold!

A special mention and thanks must go to Isaac's target partner, Richard Cater of High Weald AC, who took time to help and mentor Isaac throughout the final session while on his way to second place in the Gents Recurve Double Round.

Competition in the Junior Gents Under 16 and Under 14 Recurve saw rivalries from the Meridian Junior shoot renewed. Thomas Hooper of Bognor Regis AC once again triumphed in the Under 16s Single and Double Rounds ahead of Liam McAnaspie of Six Villages. Liam did, however, take first place in the Triple Round.

In the Under 14s, Daniel Phillips of Holbrook and William Martin of Worthing AC took first and second place respectively in the Single Round with Pip Tucknott of Arundown a distant third after a disappointing start to his round. Daniel continued to dominate in the Under 14s Double Round, recording a personal best Portsmouth score of 533 for a combined total of 1,057. Pip followed in second place, shooting a new personal best of 516 for a two round total of 1,019 and a new Arundown junior record. Daniel made it a clean sweep by taking first place in the Triple Round.

With Russell French unable to shoot due to work commitments, Richard Cobden still nursing an injury and Graham Brown on catering duties, it was left to John Nolan, Rod Brown and Liz Bowyer to carry the Arundown flag in the seniors.

Despite struggling with a heavy cold John recorded a respectable 478, but Liz found the transition from Clout shooting at 180 yards to Portsmouth at 20 yards had come a few weeks too soon and had a frustrating time shooting 492. Despite his organisational duties, however, Rod shot a fine 541 for ninth place in the Gents Recurve.

Once again Roger McMullan performed the judge's duties with a trademark mixture of authority and good humour, while his wife Zillah again provided invaluable assistance with registration, preparing the final results and as Lady Paramount. Our grateful thanks to you both.

Thanks also to Steve Hooper and Daniel Phillips for pitching in and helping to take down the equipment at the end of the day. You are gentlemen.

The efforts of several club members who turned out early to get the hall ready for the shoot and then returned late in the day to pack up cannot go unmentioned, so take a bow Hamish, Roger, Richard and Josh. Likewise, thanks to everyone who gave up their time the previous Saturday to refurbish the club's equipment at John Nolan's workshop and to Graham Brown, Liz Bowyer and Julia Tucknott who took care of the catering.

And, finally, special thanks to Rod Brown for organising yet another successful tournament. Great job and 'nuff said.