JERSEY’S top archers have been busy competing individually at the Hampshire Championships last weekend, while a smaller group prepares to represent Hampshire in the Archery GB National County Teams Championships this coming weekend.
Last weekend saw Andover Archers play host to an array of standout performances, including many personal best shoots.
Thunderstorms were expected, however, unlike the archers involved, the forecast missed its mark with the venue only seeing a few showers among otherwise excellent weather.
Mollie Perrett competed in the Ladies’ Recurve events, scoring a third-place finish on the Saturday, and going one better to take second on Sunday.
Freddie Crosby and Tony Vardon battled it out over the weekend in the Men’s Recurve showings.
After a tightly fought contest on Saturday, Vardon pipped Crosby to seventh spot by a single point. However, Crosby gained his revenge on Sunday, claiming fourth as opposed to Vardon’s fifth.
Francis Rocha was the Jersey star in the Men’s Compound draws, placing a solid third on both days.
Finally, in the Ladies’ Compound category, Angela Perrett and Hannah Bridle shot on both days.
After shooting their way to fourth and sixth respectively on Saturday, the pair both improved their shooting on Sunday.
Angela Perrett took home the third place plaudits, whereas Bridle finished just shy of her compatriot in fourth.
This weekend marks the final event of the outdoor archery season.
Four Islanders are slated to compete as part of the Hampshire county team at the annual inter-county competition taking place at Lilleshall.
Both Mollie and Angela Perrett have been selected to compete, alongside Lucy O’Sullivan and the aforementioned Rocha.
Island Games medallists O’Sullivan and Angela Perrett will compete in the Ladies’ Compound division, with Rocha competing on the Men’s Compound side, whereas Mollie Perrett will compete in the Ladies’ Recurve division.
In recent years, the Hampshire county team, twinned with their Jersey recruits, have enjoyed a great deal of success in the competition, often securing gold medals.
The Jersey archers are hoping this year will be no different.
“We’re thrilled to have been selected for the Hampshire team again,” said O’Sullivan.
“It really is a testament to how strong archery is in Jersey right now that we’re able to compete at this level.
“Plus, winning gold for our county is always a fantastic experience.”
