DTL Home International and British Open

The  2016 England DTL team headed across the water to Banbridge  CPC– Northern Ireland for the 82nd ICTSC Home Countries International Tournament. This was for many shooters the start of a DTL extravaganza, following the Home International and British Open many of the competitors would then head to Esker, Eire for the European and World Championships.

Banbridge CPC has over the past 12 months undergone a major transformation – having an additional four layouts added to the venue in order to be able to host the Home International event. The staff had worked tirelessly to ensure that they had done as much as possible to provide the first class facilities for all. 

The weather at the start of the day for the Home International did its best to spoil the show; target setting took place during some heavy downpours. However, it did not manage to deter the England Team as they set about putting in a sterling performance across the board which led to a clean sweep of victories in the team events. The Senior Team, captained by Shane Smith had a commanding lead over runners up Northern Ireland. England Senior Squad 1 and Squad 2 had to take part in a team shoot off to decide the AE Browning Challenge Cup for Senior Winning squad – finally this went in favour of England squad 2, Marvin Houghton, Lee Kirby, Michael Turner, Chris Moule and Nick Adam.

There was only one perfect score for the day, Willie Armstrong - collected the Leslie Hewitt Plate and High Gun of the match. Robert Haines collected Super Vets High Gun, Owen Vining, Junior High Gun and Highest New cap of the Match award.

The customary banquet and presentations were held after the event at the Burrnedale Hotel and thanks go to all the staff there that helped make the evening a fitting finale.

British Open DTL Event – Banbridge CPC.

For the ground staff at Banbridge CPC an early start was in order. Team squads had the benefit a slightly later start to the day – giving them time to recover from celebrations from the night before. The British Open DTL event had both individual and team prizes up for grabs as well as other awards for Team 2 day combined scores. Paul Chaplow posted the only 100/300 of the day (and I believe his 130th perfect score) to take the ICI Trophy, badge and medal – this trophy has eluded Paul now for several years and during the prize giving ceremony Paul spoke briefly and dedicated his win to the memory of Bill Logan Jnr who had lost his battle to cancer.

Team awards – Winning Senior Team, Northern Ireland, and England ladies made it a double winning the Ladies Team event and Emma Holden was Ladies High Gun – 2 days. Robert Haines collected the Neville Bailey Trophy.

A note of thanks and appreciation must go to all those involved with making the event at Banbridge run like clockwork and for the tremendous friendly welcome that we all received.

Please click here to see results for the DTL Home International and click here to see results for the DTL British Open.