Article
British success at the European UT Championship - Lonato, Italy this weekend!
Report from the 45th European Championship for Universal Trench
Date of event: 16th, 17th and 18th June 2017
Location: Trap Concaverde, Lonato, Italy
Dazz-Ling European UT Championships
The 45th European Championship for Universal Trench was held at the magnificent Trap Concaverde Shooting range at Lonato, Italy over the weekend of 16th, 17th and 18th June. Temperatures in the mid 30’s meant that it wasn’t just the competition that was hot, with shooters running for shade at every opportunity. Staying cool and hydrated was a major job!
Team GB also broke some king of record by having four, yes, four family members in the national team with Ed representing the Seniors, Abbey the ladies, Theo the juniors and dad, Steve in the Vets team. Fitasc presented the family with a special recognition award at the opening ceremony as this feat has not been achieved previously.
Team GB acquitted themselves magnificently, taking five Gold medals (three individual and two team), 4 silver medals (2 individual and 2 team) and two bronze medals (1 individual and 1 team).
Overall champion was Olympic bronze medallist Ed Ling, shooting a stunning 199/200. Ed missed the single target in round 2 of 8 and shot the last 150 without missing another. Not to be outdone by her other half, Abbey Ling won the Ladies individual gold with a 193/200. Keeping it in the family, Theo Ling won an individual silver in the junior category and bronze in the team event, while Steve won a team gold in the veterans. Dick Fletton finished a tremendous third overall, taking the bronze medal and additionally won individual and team golds in the veterans category. Additionally Kev Borley won an individual silver in the supervets category as well as a silver in the team event.
In the team events Team GB also excelled, with the senior men (Ed Ling, Rod Gould, Adam Gutteridge) and the veterans team (Dick Fletton, Steve Ling and Chris Tate) both winning top honours. The ladies team (Abbey Ling, Joe Allen and Emma Haines) and the supervets team (Kevin Borley, JJ Reilly and Howard Batt) both took the silver medal and the junior team (Theo Ling, Lucy Hall and little Tom Betts) picked up the bronze medal.
A truly memorable championship for so many reasons, not least of which was the beautiful weather, magnificent facilities and great camaraderie from all competitors. The fact that Team GB did themselves and British clay shooting proud made it a very memorable weekend indeed. Bring on the worlds at Megeve.
Greg Sinclair
Team GB Manager
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