Churchstoke win last shot thriller

Churchstoke are the only unbeaten team in the Montgomeryshire Airgun League following a humdinger of a contest with title rivals Arddleen.

In a tense, bruising yet truly sportsmanlike encounter at the Courthouse, both teams broke the 200-point barrier, with Arddleen’s young Jack “No Fox” Francis showing the old hands how it was done. He scored a pressure-defying 35.3 against Churchstoke new boy Gary Powell’s 34.5.

The lead changed hands several times and there was precious little to separate them as the final shooters (Glyn Jones and Ken “The Smiling Assassin” Llewellyn) stepped up to shoot.

In the end it came down to the last shot of the match, where Arddleen’s precarious advantage evaporated as Llewellyn did what he had to and scored a 5, delivering Churchstoke a very narrow 0.3 point victory to remain unbeaten.

Elsewhere, Castle Caereinion hosted a Newtown team who were flushed with the success of the previous week’s win. Three of their shooters (captain Jess Corbett, doyenne Marina Corbett and young upstart Tabitha Corbett) scored over 35 points, yet the team were hamstrung by only being able to field six shooters. Castle shot confidently and scored 199.1 to Newtown’s 198.3, with Richard Morgan yet again shooting a possible in the opening slot.

The Admiral Rodney was the scene of the Battle of Crew Green, with a match between the A and B teams. The B team continued their tradition of punching above their weight, defeating the A’s 200.2 to 193.5 points.

Roger Knight led the scoring as Guilsfield A beat Forden 202-182.9 with a superb score of 35.5.

Rifle problems didn’t stop veteran marksman Dai Tom Williams from scoring 35.4 when Llanfair Caereinion faced Guilsfield B. DT led the scoring from the outset, proving that - like a fine wine - he travels well.  Llanfair recorded their first win of the season 199.2-194.4.

Shooter of the week – Despite excellent showings from all who scored possibles this week, Roger Knight takes the accolade following his stunning 35.5.

Match of the week - Churchstoke vs. Arddleen. The normally raucous atmosphere turned distinctly quiet at the end, furious calculations were made, shooters’ form was studied, prayers were said and the bell rang loudly and often. Well done to all involved.