Thec British Open at Hodnet

[Will Hewland]

Just to be clear, I'm not anti the prize money concept. I just think at the BO this year, its rough that you have to be in the top 4% of your class to win anything and unless you're in the top 2% it won't even be enough to cover your cost of competing.

The fact that it has cost me tens of thousands over the years to get into my class is irrelevant. I did that for my own enjoyment. I just think there's enough money being made at this particular event to spread it a bit more. I'm not all bitter and twisted about it at all. It's more a raised eyebrow. Anyway, I'm leaving for Hodnet now and hope to enjoy it. Thankfully the weather is kind!

 

[EdSolomons]

Exceptional event very well run and nothing silly but some good strong birds in places. I thought 114 about all was there on sporting but not sure what's happening on sportrap scores, I think 96-7 to win. Well done Hodnet .

 

[jonz]

Surely a major competition shouldn't offer a birds only option?

Doug,

Why? What is the difference between this "major competition" and all the others that call themselves major competitions

Birds Only should be available to all - some people are shooting on a very tight budget and anything that reduces the cost really does help them

 

[tiptop]

I wonder how many people will get on the podium this year for their 'class', that didn't qualify to shoot in class, but qualified in 'category'. Farcical in my view.

 

[Will Hewland]

STR now being led by RF on 94. I shot it today, great targets and I thought it shot harder than it looked. I suppose there is one very easy target on the whole course though, so it's a sustained test.

Horrible start with a 17, then a 22 including a bouncing rabbit costing me one. 3rd layout I ruined with 1 target, an orange close crosser which I missed 4 times, before cutting back to a ridiculously small lead and hit it hard on the fifth attempt. So a 20 on there felt like it should have been a 23 at least. Grr.. Last layout just beat me for another 20, finishing on 79. 

Hopefully I've learned something for tomorrow with the terrain..

 

[Anthony]

Shot the sporting yesterday & the sportrap wednesday, both brilliant courses even though I had a mare on the sportrap! The sporting starts off gently to ease you in then really tests you as you get up the top. Can't wait for the reshoot.

 

[chippy]

This sounds like the best major sporting shoot in years and its the only one iam not shooting. Typical.

 

[GrrClark]

I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot on Wednesday, it really is a lovely ground and they use the topography very well.

I am a little frustrated at not booking on for the sportrap as well, however I thought 220 targets in a day along with the trip back and forth from Scotland might have been a bit of a push all on the same day.

As it happens i'm back down on Sunday and thoroughly looking forward to it.  It was a successful road trip for the 3 of us that travelled down and shot together as we are all back again on Sunday, pretty epic outcome I think.

p.s. was good to meet you Peter and finally put a name to a face.

 

[Salopian]

Thank you all for the positive comments, yes we do try and personally I love setting targets that tease and please , good to see so many friends from all over the Country and hopefully enjoying themselves .Really looking forward to Sunday , totally new mini course that will tease please and intrigue, then an entertainment final , so the winner and all the prize winners will have earned their spurs.

 

[Sian]

It appears I have qualified to return on Sunday.  My first major comp to get anywhere in the five years I've been shooting.  It was a  very good shoot and is a stunning ground.  I was waining towards the end and lost 3 targets each on the last two stands which was very frustrating as I shot the middle section I thought really well for me.  It was the highlight of my day to get 3 of the driven and come away with 7/8 on that stand.  Anyone who knows me will understand how I feel about driven.  

 

[Hamster]

It appears I have qualified to return on Sunday.  My first major comp to get anywhere in the five years I've been shooting.  It was a  very good shoot and is a stunning ground.  I was waining towards the end and lost 3 targets each on the last two stands which was very frustrating as I shot the middle section I thought really well for me.  It was the highlight of my day to get 3 of the driven and come away with 7/8 on that stand.  Anyone who knows me will understand how I feel about driven.  

This with a new gun too  .

 

[Sian]

This with a new gun too  .

Yes I used Dora.

 

[Anthony]

Well done Sian 

 

[Richard59]

First day of the competition today , the reports I have received from everyone is what a good day they have had , " Brilliant Shoot"  " Something for everyone", "Clever Targets".

Had a few comments about distant black clays on the Sportrap , but I will be referring them to Ed Lyons  or Specsavers. Or for a £1 a week they can sponsor a Guide Dog.

That chap sharpening his pencil on the CPSA twitter feed sets a standard ? 

 

[Will Hewland]

Another vote of praise for me about this event. Sadly after a good start I had a terrible middle section, which then left me tatty on the easier stands at the end too. Disappointed with 95, but it was a strong test on many stands. It's certainly the best bit of land for shooting I've ever seen.

 

[Rupert]

Back on my sofa now having had a great weekend away,nothing presented to make anyone suck in there breath but plenty to trip you up,.

 

[bisondan]

Quite pleased with my 102/120 today, and what a fantastic ground and course of targets.

Nothing ridiculous, but you had to be completely switched on all the way round, I don't think I've ever felt as mentally drained after a shoot.

The white clay being thrown toward you followed by the teal was my favourite stand; white clay needed lots of gun movement and a bit of lead, then the teal was very slow and needed nothing.  Very clever.

 

[ips]

so. Who managed to say hello to Mr salopian ???

 

[Sian]

so. Who managed to say hello to Mr salopian ???

I did at breakfast time, we were the first shooters there.

 

[ips]

I did at breakfast time, we were the first shooters there.

good for you. He is a shooting guru AND a very nice chap indeed, is he not. ?