17 Sept 2024
Report by Fiona Hirst
Wow, what a day! Firstly, a massive thank you as without volunteers these events would not run. Thank you to Links Archers of Montrose for giving us use of their fantastic field at Craigo and to the Links Archers who came down to volunteer and learn about the event. Special thanks to Tommy and Laura who were there to help Malcom set up on the Friday night. The catering was, as always, great with Sam and Jules. The Judges, Frank and John, were both professional, friendly and went above and beyond their roles. Finally, the weather Gods, thank you for no rain!
The Barebow men kicked off the day with their matches. William took an early lead of 4-0 but Joshua managed to pull back to make it 4-4. William got there though, winning the match 6-4 taking him through to the gold medal match. Next up was Steven and Ben - Ben who was ranked 3rd took an early lead 4-0 only to be levelled by Steven 4-4. Steven managed to clinch the gold medal match space by winning the final set. The bronze medal match between Joshua and Ben was another tough match 2-2,2-4,4-4 with Joshua taking Bronze with 6- 4. The Gold medal match between William and Steven started off close, drawing the first set 1-1. However, Steven then took a commanding lead to win the match 6-1.
The barebow women were next with the first match between Freya and Marion. Freya looked confident and knocked the first seed out 6-0, progressing to the gold medal match giving Marion the chance to fight for Bronze. The match between Nikki and Fiona was a close one which went to a one arrow shoot off. Both archers had to compose themselves and Nikki triumphed with her arrow closest to the gold. Marion, initially ranked 1st, now had to fight Fiona for the Bronze. Marion took a commanding lead and won Bronze 6-0. The Gold medal match between Nikki and Freya was a closer match with scores yoyoing 2-0,2-2,4-2,4-4. Nikki took the Gold and Freya the silver.
It was the turn of the Compounds. The wind had picked up a little. Unlike the previous set matches the compounds are scored on an accumulative score basis. First up, David and James. James took the lead after the first end 28 – 25 however not to be outdone, David pulled it back in the second end taking the lead by 1 point. David then continued to shoot his way through to the gold medal match 134-129. Now it was between Kyle and Stewart to take the competition on. Stewart took the lead by 1 point then stretched his lead by 4 points. However, in the third end Kyle dug deep bringing his score to just 1 point behind Stewart. Kyle was on a roll and won the match 136-133. The Bronze medal match between Stewart and James was again close with Stewart leading after the first two ends by 4 points. However, James came back to 1 point behind in the third. Stewart then found his shot to win 140-136 taking the Bronze. Not to be outdone, the gold match was also close between David and Kyle. David took the lead 57-53 but Kyle was hot on his heels by the third making David work hard to win the Gold 136 – 135.
There was just the gold medal match for the ladies due to archers not managing to make the event.  The match was between Maree and Caitlyn. Maree took the lead and whilst Caitlyn fought hard it wasn’t enough to catch Maree who won the gold 114 – 89.
Lunch for the judges was next and a well-earned break for all!
Running on time, we started the Recurve matches. The first of the women’s semi-finals was between Linda and Sharon. This was going to be a tough match for Sharon who only started shooting last November! Linda was in command though, taking the path to Gold 6-0. It was now between Oksana and Victoria to battle things out for the second spot in the gold medal match. This was a closer affair with Oksana taking the lead 4-0. However, Victoria won the next two sets making things level at 4-4. Victoria's wins ran to the final set and pulled off the second gold medal spot 6-4. The Bronze medal was taken by Oksana 6-0. However, Sharon did well and gained experience for the future. Watch this space! The Gold medal match took place next, and Linda was on form, winning 6-0 against Victoria.
Finally, it was the Men’s Recurve. Seed 1 Shay against seed 4 Frank. Shay and Frank both looked relaxed, and Shay took lead 2-0 only to be equalized by Frank 2-2. Shay then pulled off the win by winning the next two sets, making it 6-2. Ross and Joshua were up next. Joshua took the first set and again was matched by Ross 2-2. There was certainly a battle here between the two archers as the score became 4-4 with Ross clinching 6-4.
Now for the Bronze medal match between Joshua and Frank. Frank took the lead, winning the first two ends; however, Joshua then won the next two levelling things up 4-4. Joshua was on a roll and finding his shot to pull off the bronze medal win 6-4.
The last match of the day was for the Gold between Shay and Ross. Again, both archers looked relaxed on the line as their thoughts were on that gold. Ross took the first set. Shay had to find something and indeed he did, the next three sets to win Gold.
Well done to all archers who travelled from near and far to take part in this event. There were archers with all levels of experience which was fantastic to see. All appeared to enjoy themselves leaving with smiles.
