News
eFocus - Autumn 2007
Performa Clay Day:
Although summer seemed to go unnoticed, the 20th September in Surrey certainly had an autumnal air about it. A little drizzle at the start of the day did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the Performa Clay Day group and the sun finally came out to brighten up the proceedings. After a hearty country breakfast, the party split into three groups.
The first group, led out by Anthony Howland, were royally entertained by the banter between Steve Boreham (Legal & General) and Gavin Thompson (JOHIM) although, judging by the lunchtime scores, the banter had clearly distracted the two of them from their shooting. A passing comment from an analytical instructor of “I have no idea what you are aiming at!” clearly summed up the general competence of the party.
The second group with Andrew Riley at the helm faired little better, with Reza, “where’s the clay?”, Asghar (INVESCO) propping up their scoring table.
The third group with Marsharee Mayadeene on point was the ladies group and by lunchtime it was clear that Nicole “I come from Texas so of course I can handle a gun” Travlos (INVESCO) was going to be the one to beat. In equal first position with our own veteran marksman, Anthony, they led the group out after lunch.
The banter in the first group was relentless but seemed to focus the sights of Mark Ersser (JP Morgan) and Alan Stickings (Morley) who shot well during the afternoon. In the ladies group, Nicole’s conscience got the better of her after lunch and, although they were only clay, she refused to shoot a single rabbit severely denting her title chances, whilst Helen O’Donovan’s (BPSS) eagle eye was starting to focus well on the targets. In the final group, Reza, severely tormented by Chris Beesley (F&C) and Matt McCarthy (Blackrock) continued to shoot with the accuracy of someone throwing live fish at a dartboard!
A final points tally (excluding Anthony due to his “professional status”) left a 3 way tie between Mark and Alan from the first group and Nicole who had managed to a stirling comeback. The shootout was simple – sudden death (not literally!) with four birds each. Mark stepped up to the plate and shot 3 of the 4. Enough to secure overall victory and the highly prized Performa Clay Day trophy (held proudly aloft in the picture).
Finally, Reza was presented with a special award from the Society for the Preservation of Clay Pigeons and a great day was enjoyed by all. Reassuringly, nobody got shot!
Photographs of the day are shown below.
Group one leader, Anthony and his merry men.
The ladies team including finalist Nicole.
Sudden Death finalists, Alan, Nicole and Mark.
Reza proudly receiving his Preservation of Clay Pigeons medal.
The final shot of the day!