By Jo Lazo

THIS month's golden arrow competition was put on hold due to a large number of the club's regular shooters not being available for one reason or another. Instead an 'insane' individual 120 arrow shoot took place on FITA 18m three spot faces, which only have the inner five scoring zones -  six through to ten.

Two each of three spot target faces were fixed in random ways to each boss, with each archer shooting a single arrow at each target/spot. Rules were simple; it would be an 18m shoot, six arrows to an end, one arrow on each target. If two arrows from the one archer or more hit the same scoring zone, the lowest would cont. Each archer would shoot on each of the five different bosses four times but move on to the next boss once that end of six arrows had been completed.

The shoot got under way after a rapid target face change. It proved as difficult for the more experienced archers as, the less so of the eight shooting members taking part. Each arrow was aimed at a different target, so there was no chance of getting comfortable off the line. Each had to be aimed as if your life depended on it. The first 60 arrows passed by so quickly it was decided to shoot another 60. Unfortunately John's arrow rest broke half way through the second 60 and he had to withdraw.  By the time everyone all got to 90 arrows, arms were starting to hurt and it was much more difficult to hold the aim, but sprits were high and all the remaining shooters completed the round. All that took part enjoyed the challenge of a very difficult and different shoot.

The 120 arrow shoot proved so popular that it was decided to shoot a double Portsmouth next Friday. Also, registering the club's interest in taking part in future Small Island and Commonwealth Games may have spurred members on to start with fitness training and shoot more arrows.

Members would like to thank Margaret for being the range officer and line judge once again.