Rugeley represent at Welsh International Airgun Championships

Rugeley shooters represented this weekend at the Welsh International Airgun Championships in Cardiff.

Shot over three days, athletes contest three matches – the Cardiff Grand Prix and AiroShoot Qualification are contested over Friday and Saturday in Senior and Junior classes, with the Welsh Open Championship contested on Sunday as one class. WIAC is part of the AiroShoot circuit, alongside the InterShoot match in the Netherlands, RIAC in Luxembourg and other matches in Scotland, Denmark and Belgium. As a result, it attracts international shooters in addition to the predominantly British entry.

Paul Watkiss placed 13th and 12th in his Air Pistol matches, finishing 21st in the Open Match with a series of very steady shoots.

Pippa Watterson placed 7th and 17th in her Junior AP matches, and 25th in the Welsh Open.

In the Air Rifle, Megan Bamsey placed 5th and 8th in her Senior matches, and 25th in the Open.

Izzy Ward placed 23rd and 24th in the Junior Women’s Air Rifle, and 22rd in the Open.

Bill Clark placed 16th and 15th in his Men’s Air Rifle events.

Rugeley Members represent Wales in Commonwealth Championships

Megan Bamsey, Mike Bamsey and Richard Hemingway represented Wales at the recent Commonwealth Shooting Federation (European Division) Championships. Club Chairman Martyn Buttery also attended, captaining the England team.

Mike medalled in every event he contested, winning:

  • Gold – 50Metre 3-Position Rifle(Individual)
  • Silver – 50Metre Prone (Pairs, with Mark Parry of Appleton RC)
  • Bronze – 50Metre Prone (Individual)
  • Gold – 10Metre Air Rifle (Individual)
  • Gold – 10Metre Air Rifle (Pairs, with Emily Bale)

Rich Hemingway placed 4th in the 50M Prone Final, whilst Megan placed 6th in the Women’s 10M Air Rifle. Friend of the club Liam Webster earned his first cap for Wales, shooting in the Prone Development match.

The 2022 Championship was hosted by the Welsh Target Shooting Federation, with airgun shooting taking place at Sport Wales in Cardiff and .22 at Tondu Target Shooting Club near Bridgend. Free practice opened on Thursday 8th September. With the passing of Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday evening, it was initially thought the Championships might be cancelled. Guidance was received from the Lord Lieutenant to continue discreetly and respectfully in memory of Her Majesty. A minute’s silence was held before each match.

Full Results can be found on the WTSF website.