ALAN CRICHTON shot his second maximum score in two consecutive Webley Shield matches to help Avenue secure a 223-221 win against a depleted Home Guard team.
Despite having only a five-man team and a handicap of 12 points, Home Guard set the bar high in the Stratford & District Airgun League competition.
Gareth Morris scored a possible, Tom Morris and Andy Morris both shot 34 and, with Tim Stephens (33), Alan Brookes (29) and an AN Other score of 28, it brought the total to a respectable 221 points.
Avenue lifted their game too with Crichton shooting his second possible in two matches. Seasoned shooters Paul Lowe (33), Steve Parrack (32) and Steve Garlick (32) added to the tally and Steve Aldis – new to bell target shooting this season – shot a career-best 31.
Avenue won the match with 223 points, not needing the handicap, although their final tally was 235 points.
Wilmcote gave Avon ten handicap points but they pressurised the home team throughout to win by a single point.
Both teams had only bulls and fours on the scorecard but Wilmcote were more accurate as brothers Adam and Jamie Clarke both hit maximum points and younger brother Ashleigh scored 33.
New shooter Lester Langford and seasoned shooter Paul Clingan missed only one bull each for 34.
Avon had a bit more trouble finding the bull on their home target as Colin Fulford and Steve Ray had the team’s highest scores with 33s. At the final tally, Wilmcote had the edge 230-229.
Binton B held on with only six shooters to enjoy a 208-206 win at home to Clifford.
Clifford had more loose shots on the target after Trevor Morris started well with 32 and the last three shooters – Dave Sibley, Martin Robinson and Rachael Brookes – all shot 30.
After discounting the lowest of their eight scores, they finished on 206 points.
For Binton, Chris Green (31) and Steve Hodges (32) led the way and, with the single handicap point, they came out winners with 208 points.
Chris Reed shot his second career possible and first this season but a 24-point handicap proved too big for his Binton A side against MEB.
Binton shot a fine match as Reed led the way, followed by Andy Smith who missed just one bull for 34. Wayne Harris and Gary Hooper both scored 33 and John Parrott and Neil Beningfield had 32 in an impressive 230 points total.
Tim Onions shot a career-best 33 for MEB, while Kath and Fred Williams both scored 31, and the handicap points allowed them to win with 233 points.
