Matt Holden en route to High Gun
The first Young Shots Day at the Fennes proved a massive hit and discovered a wealth of new talent into the bargain.
The day, on 10 August, was organised in association with the CPSA and was designed to encourage and inspire youngsters to take up the sport.
And it certainly achieved its aim, unearthing a would-be professional shot and hitherto unknown talents among the eight- to11-year-olds.
It was the latest in a series of initiatives to bring newcomers into the sport and followed the Braintree venue’s successful inaugural Ladies Day in June.
One youngster, Marcus Jacobs, made his future ambition clear – he wants to be a professional shooter.
Meanwhile Harvey George revealed he had clay shooting in his blood – his late grandfather Brian Thomas-Husbands finished sixth in the World Championships and was a former GB clay pigeon team manager.
Harvey was a complete novice but proved the talent was in his genes, returning a perfect (10/10) on stand seven.
The day’s High Gun trophy went to Matt Holden for his 39ex-50, just pipping Connor McKenzie, who had never held a shotgun before, by one bird.
For many of the youngsters the clay experience will not be their last – Tom Willingham had only fired a shotgun once before the day but pledged to return to the Fennes. He said: “Now I’m hooked. I’d like to become a member here because it’s great fun. I love it!”
The Fennes’ manager Tracey Riddington said: “It was very exciting and rewarding to see youngsters come along and take up the sport. Overall it was a big success and you can see their ability developing early on. It is our intention to encourage young people to have a responsible attitude towards shooting clays and game. I enjoy developing their shooting, having seen many of my pupils go on to represent England and Great Britain.’
For more information about the Fennes Shooting School visit www.fennesclays.co.uk, send an email to info@fennesclays.co.uk, or call 01376 324 599.
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