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English Open Sporting Day 1
Warm sunshine and a clear sky welcomed the shooters on Day One of the CPSA English Open English Sporting at Barbury Shooting School.
As the first Major Championship of the 2021 season and after a long year of Covid regulations limiting events, the competition was in high demand as CPSA members were keen to dust off their guns and get back out to the sport they love. Places for the English Open were full within 3 weeks of the bookings opening in April.
The hosts, Barbury Shooting School, made an impressive opening to both the 2021 season but also as its their first Major CPSA Championship, with an immaculate ground and a beautiful setting with fields of yellow bordering the shoot. Huw Stephens and his team have fully utilised the fantastic open space they have with their 15-stand layout consisting of 120 targets. Spread over three areas of the ground and incorporating their current infrastructure of grouse butts and towers along with few surprises, they have created a technical course with plenty to challenge shooters of all abilities.
CPSA Chairman John Martin said “We are pleased to have partnered with Barbury Shooting School for our first CPSA Championship of the 2021 season for the English Open English Sporting. The ground have made some great investments over the last two years, including a new clubhouse, and its great to see the ground in full showcase mode”
Richard Faulds opened the Championship as first shooter and finished on a 112ex120. He led the scoreboard at 1pm with Overall high score and top of AAA class. Richard placed 3rd in AAA in 2019’s English Open. He commented “It’s a great course, but not sure I’d want to try and put that score in again”
The scores a 1pm, along with Richard’s had Robert Gooch on 99ex120 leading AA, Jordan O’Donnell topped A on 96ex120, Lauren Goodman lead B on 89ex120, C class was Massimo Pani on 79ex120.
Lauren Goodman, who celebrated her Birthday today by shooting the championship, commented “It was quite technical with the distance involved, but it was an enjoyable shoot and there was something for everyone. Stand 15 was great to finish on. I think whatever the level, everyone around the course could get at least 3 per stand”
Cheryl Hall said “It’s a fantastic shoot with some cracking clays, and they are not too afraid to put anything out there. Some shoots these days bring the targets closer and closer, but this a proper shoot”
At 3.30pm just after the last squads were out, Mickey rouse shot a 106ex120, and John Lee 102ex120 making them 2nd and 3rd top scorers. Julian Freeman later shot a 110 ex120, moving him into 2nd.
Sam Green, who came Overall 3rd at 2019’s English Open Sporting, said “Thought it was ok, there were some tough stands. Richard Fauld’s 112 is phenomenal, and I don’t think that score is going to beaten this week. It was a good course but quite stiff”
Jason Gibson from Vario said “It’s a great course, tough but separates the men from the boys as to be expected from an English Open. I really enjoyed it and there is a great atmosphere”. Jason is also at Barbury all week with his Vario Heading trade stand.
For the full English Open English Sporting day one results click here, for class and category scores click here.