North Region Skeet Update by Sue Tyas

THE BEST AT THE BRITISH
 

Congratulations to Gary Cooke who won the British Open Skeet Championship and brought the trophy back north.
 
Gary put the first 100 straight of the competition in on the Saturday morning. And, not originally intending to stay over it became a mad panic to find some last minute accommodation. But after making this kind of extra investment there was no way he was going to let this one slip away!
 
It was a long wait for Gary, from Finningley near Doncaster, to find out who he would face in the shoot off. Only three more straights were achieved over the three day competition held at Southern Counties. The changeable conditions on Sunday afternoon suited Gary and the shoot off was quickly sorted in only one extra round.
 
Gary is a popular shooter and thoroughly deserved to win this major championship. With registered scores of no less than 98 over the last 3 months it proves consistency is the name of the game.
 

Pic 3. - Gary Cooke, Winner of the 2006 British Open Skeet Championship.

N.O.E. SKEET TEAM – STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
 

The North of England Skeet Team were kindly sponsored by D. Barratt Ltd who
presented each member of the 2006 team with a polo shirt, baseball cap, pin badge
and personalised medal.
"It's really encouraging to receive such generous sponsorship for the second year and it certainly boosts team spirit" said Ken Whelan, team manager.
 
For details on how to become a member for 2007 please contact Ken Whelan on 07836 547031.
 

Pic 1
Some of the 2006 NoE Skeet Team shooting in the British Open at Southern Counties.
(Left to Right) Andrew Parsons, Dave Barratt, Tim Webster, Gary Cooke, Sue Tyas, Steve Leppington, Ken Whelan, Eric Bell, Roger Beaumont.

Kevin Kilty (left) and Derek Wilson (right) proudly show their medals.

THE BOYS TO WATCH
 

The North of England Junior Team consisting of Sam McGonigal, Peter Denton and Tim Webster really made their mark at the British Open Skeet Championship held at Southern Counties. Not only did they win the team event with an outstanding 289 ex 300, but Sam and Tim went on to win 1st and 2nd place respectively in the colts plus 2nd and 3rd in B Class overall. What a weekend!
 
Sam, only just thirteen, scored 99 and went into a shoot off for the B Class trophy against a far more experienced shooter. Showing absolutely no sign of nerves he finished second with a final score of 99+25+24+5 in front of a huge crowd of supporters. This will prove invaluable experience for the future.
 
Tim, again only thirteen, taking part in his first major and making his debut as part of the North of England Team scored an amazing 98. This is very impressive shooting.
 
All these boys are already remarkable shots and are definitely ones to watch for the future – just remember where you saw them first!
 

Pic 4 – Sam McGonigal (left), Tim Webster (right) with Gary Cooke.