COBRA-ARCHERS

3D Champs report.

Lost and Found   

The grounds of Osmaston Park, Ashbourne provided the setting for this year’s National Field Archery Society’s 3D Championships and the thick undergrowth and tangled Rhododendrons proved an expensive hazard for the archers. Most lost or broke arrows over the two days shooting this Spring Bank holiday with only a fraction being found and returned at the end of the competition.

A team of five Cobra archers travelled down to Derbyshire to pit their skills against the course setters and over 600 archers from all over the UK. Each archer shot 2 of the 3 courses depending on their bow styles. 40 3D foam animal targets were set amongst the woodland on each course ranging from woodchucks to big bears at various distances.

Course A provided archers with a good warm up opportunity before competition commenced as archers had a 2 mile walk to the course from the registration point, but many commented that the walk was worth it as they were rewarded with some fantastic views as well as an interesting course.

Course B was difficult underfoot with thick undergrowth making walking between shots tricky but surprises a plenty as archers came across waterwheels and saw mills amongst the woodland and lakeside.

Course C was the easiest physically being well cleared and close to registration with lots of logs to provide seats for weary archers as the temperatures rose on Sunday.

All three courses made good use of the woodland and surrounding area with the undulating ground was used to good effect providing challenging shots for both adult and junior archers.

Nathan Byers at his first 3D championships, won Gold in his class of Under 12 Boys Barebow whilst Brian Hannan (Gents Longbow) and Pauline Livsey (Ladies Hunting Tackle) both achieved personal bests of over 1000 points for the weekend. Also taking part were Mary Hannan (Ladies Longbow)who finished 5th and Nick Marwood (Under 16 Boys Barebow). Finished 4^th.