Page 55 - Bloxhamist 2017-2018

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25, being a junior shooting in the senior
event. The junior team shot the black
course. Rory led the way for the second
year shooting 29 out of 32, while Will
shot a good 26 and Charlie 20. After
shooting the courses we were surprised
to hear that for the first time ever
they only counted the top four scores
in six member teams and top two for
the junior and girls event. Considering
Bloxham’s strength in depth, we were
not hopeful that this would be to
our advantage. After a long wait we
attended prize giving open-minded.

The junior team was the first result
announced and although the first
two scores equalled Swavesey Village
College, Cambridge, Bloxham won
on count back with Charlie’s score
counting, (there’s no I in team!) while
Strathallan finished nine clays behind
in third place. Onto the B team and this
was clear cut with Bloxham winning by
11 clays clear of second placed Warwick
School and King’s Ely in third place 24
clays behind. The girls team finished
third behind Kings High A and B teams,
six clays off the winners which was
pleasing and will hopefully encourage
more girls in the future. It was then on
to the A team result and we dared to
hope of another success and were not
disappointed when we were announced
the winners, four clays ahead of Rugby
and eight ahead of Strathallan and
Warwick in fourth! When checking the
full results, the placing would be the
same irrespective of how many scores
counted but the winning margins
would have been greater!

Two notable achievements were from
Rory McDonnell and Sam Brodie, as
alongside the team events there is also approach has been an excellent example
a High Gun title for individuals. Rory of a team member. And finally, it is the A Team
finished fourth in the Junior High Gun, end of an era as we say a fond farewell Sam Boswell, Patrick McDonnell,
three clays off the top score and Sam to the Skipworth family as Becky ends Toby Staveley Parker, Jonty
shot extremely well and scored 44, her time at Bloxham. Richmond-Watson, Harvey Jones,
coming fourth for the blue course High Tom Owen
Gun Trophy, an excellent achievement The summer term ended with the
from two young shots. Tom O finished annual social event with a parent and B Team
sixth with a score of 43 also taking the child shoot and barbeque at Edgehill. Sam Brodie, Tom Oliver, Tom
Cadet Trophy completing the retention Roddy and Jonty Richmond-Watson Alderman, Ben Staveley Parker,
of all the titles won in 2017. were the winners, closely followed by Teddy Westaway-Christopher,
Eddie and Tom. As always, thanks must Ed Ellis
Clay pigeon shooting is in a strong go to so many people, pupils, parents
position as we have talented shots and the passionate shooting coaches Junior Team
of all ages already shooting for the who have a wealth of knowledge and Rory McDonnell, William Benson,
school while continuing to welcome expertise to nurture the talent of the Charlie Courtney
newcomers to the teams. We say pupils at all levels. It is great team
goodbye to Sam Boswell who joined experience for all involved and nobody
Bloxham in the Lower Sixth and has wants to miss an event if they can help Girls’ Team
been a fantastic addition to the team; it! Pam Eagles Becky Skipworth, Emily Hutsby,
his unruffled and unpretentious Elspeth Barr
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