2011 Allington Castle "Sir Thomas Wyatt" Double York

This was a tough shoot, windy on the first day and blisteringly hot on the second day. I shot 1224 and 1222 with a total for the double of 2446 (which increased my county record by 42 points). Two more solid MB scores.

I was very confident going into this shoot of winning both days, which I did but was pushed hard all the way. However what won the event was consistent shooting. Much of it was not pretty due to the conditions, but my game has developed a much tougher mental attitude now. Even when I am nervous (which I always am, something to work on still), or the conditions are not good, I am making myself hard to beat. On the day I made less mistakes than the following pack. Over the 288 arrows, I only had 3 outside the red (one at 100yards, and two at 80 yards - one being totally down to me).

I now have three weeks until the Surrey County Champs. My goal is to win those champs, so I can put the York rounds aside now and focus on the FITA distances, hope for good weather on the day and push onto GMB.

But, I must get over the nerves. I have no need to be. Nerve free I can shoot huge scores (i.e. at the club), but this is still holding me back in competition. I have shot 6 comfortable MB scores this year under pressure so I can do it. But it will happen, I am sure.

I am now halfway through the outdoor season and delighted with my progress. I am much better than last year, far more consistent and shooting high level MB scores. Last year was more high and lows. Even if GMB does not happen this year, I am patient and will strive hard until I do.

More PB's and re-gained my MB

A lot has happened in the last week. I shot the Middlesex County Champs, the SCAS FITA Star and this week end at the UK Masters.

Middlesex was interesting weather, with really tricky winds. I was not at my best but shot a 1210 York and 1324 FITA to put in two early MB scores. Both rounds had bad patches but I went back to basics and really pulled them around. Whilst I was disappointed with shooting badly at times, I am really pleased with my mental strength and application to not let it affect me and work the problem. The highlight of the weekend was my 342 @ 50 on the FITA which is a competition PB. With both scores I finished 1st in the Middlesex champs (as visitor but also overall for the gents compound), and 2nd in the FITA.

This weekend was the UK Masters, and I was hoping for a comfortable MB score to complete the three scores needed, and I did that, just missing out on a GMB score by two points (1350). I started nervously, but shot 323 @ 90m. 70m was still a little nervy, but finished on 336 for a competition PB. 50m started well with a 114 and 113 dozen, but a sloppy 108 left a lot to do to hit GMB. I needed 358 to get GMB on the nose. I started with a 119 and 120 dozen, but then a sloppy 117 meant I was short. However, I did get to claim my 1350 Star badge. I finished 30m on 356, still a competition PB. Overall I am very pleased with my performance but there are still a lot of avoidable points being dropped.

The Saturday was the 50m 720 and H2H. I was very windy and I struggled with a 651. The H2H went OK, winning my first round and then narrowly missing out in the next round to a GB Squad member, which I pushed hard until the last three arrows were the wind ended my chances of an upset.

So overall, its been a good week, but there is still room for improvement and I am sure it will come.

KAA County and Open Champsionships

After last week ends poor practice I went into this determined to do well, and I did, of sorts.

I didn't shoot well at all and it was only the last third of the round did I start to get my arse in gear and shoot properly, and salvaged a reasonably comfortable MB score of 1214. Should have been a lot more. The weather was a little tricky but it was 1250 territory easily.

I did win the visitors trophy and came top overall in the compound, but I am disappointed and am determined that next weeks York will be very different.

I suppose I should be pleased that I can now shoot badly and still get MB scores and be in contention for medals, but its no real consolation.

Must and will do better!!!

Back to earth with a bump

Once again I headed out to the range to shoot another York as part of my pledge to shoot a 12 doz round every week. However, I really could not get into gear and shot poorly compared to recent practice and competition standards.

100 yards was poor, shooting two 46 and one 48 end, and I ended up with 598, about 20+ points from my normal practice score.

80 yards was solid, but I still struggled, but got back some consistent form, being strong in the shot towards the end of the distance.

60 yards was clean with a few dodgy shots.

The problem was I was not strong in the shot and my alignment was poor. I was not in the right mind and struggled to focus fully.

Having said that I shot 1234. In competition this would be a very solid MB score, so to shoot badly and still hit this level is a positive. I think I need to be mindful that I have set a high standard in the last few months and have not had many blips. I have to expect to have a few lows.

Next week is the Kent Target Champs, so I need to clear the mind and go back to basics.

Andover Double FITA Star - Got my MB!

I went into this shoot knowing if the weather was good I could get my MB for the first time ever. My practice scores up until now had been huge (GMB level), so I had it in me for a good competition score.

Whilst the weather was not ideal, I shot 1330 and 1321 over the two days. Coupled with my 1206 York earlier in the season I had got the three scores I needed. However with the 1206 York it was on the nose, so I want to get a few more comfortable ones to really feel I have earn't it.

Over the two days I also shot three distance PB's; 320 @ 90m, 332 @ 50m and 354 @ 30m. The 50m and 30m were especially pleasing as I have struggled of late (although I shot a PB @ 50m last week). The 30m is probably my best moment. The wind really started to get up but I was really strong in the shot and focused hard and it got me through a very tricky wind.

Overall I am pleased. I have my MB with 5 shoots to spare left this year. It was my goal two years ago when I started compound to get to MB this year, and I have worked hard and its paid off.

My next goal is to try and get as close to GMB as possible, as I have been shooting GMB level scores at the club. I know I can technically do it and that the bow can deliver the arrows where they are aimed. I have not set a goal for GMB, it has always been something I felt was two years away from this season. We will see...!