National Muzzle Loading Skeet Championships
Lakenheath Clay Target Centre
14th September 2008

The National Muzzle Loading Skeet Championships were, again, held at Lakenheath Clay Target Centre in the north-west of Suffolk. The weather was very kind, being a bright sunny day with just enough breeze to clear the smoke. A good number of competitors had travelled vast distances to be with us on the day. In particular, I'd like to record the effort made by Neil Atkin from Carlisle, Shane Rainey from Cheshire & Gloucester Branch members, Chris Hobbs and Dave Marland.
 
All competitions were on a re-entry basis. This allows shooters with even the one gun to have a good day out. Single bird competitions were 15 birds, a left & right from each of the 7 pegs plus an option (repeat of the first missed bird or a bird of your choice if you were fortunate enough to have shot straight). Double bird competitions were shot as regular English Skeet over 25 birds. The competitions were expertly refereed by Mike and Alan, the regular Lakenheath Skeet Refs.
 
Everyone seemed to have a really good time with the shooting and we had a total of 54 entries. The layout of the skeet ranges next to the clubhouse makes this event a very social affair with wooden benches and tables set up overlooking the ranges. It was good to see Nobby Clarke out for the first time after his illness, although not yet able to shoot, he enjoyed the day chatting with the other muzzle loaders.
 
There was some excellent shooting and scores were generally higher than last year. I suspect some quiet practice had been going on! David Ellis, after a very determined effort, shot the only straight of the day in the hammer gun competition – well done! Steve Tomasso, a Lakenheath regular, but new to muzzle loading shotguns, was delighted with his silver medal in the double barrel – well shot! The shoot-offs, with all birds being taken from peg 4, were closely fought but the flintlock shoot-off was of an incredibly high standard. Bev Keeble, Mike Swingler, Dave Marland and Dave Elvin had all ended the day with 12 ex 15. Dave Elvin, the eventual shoot-off winner, shot 8 straight. Bev Keeble, using his newly acquired Pedersoli Mortimer, took the silver after a superb effort.
 
Special thanks go to Ann and Matthew Wellings for taking the entries, Pete Usher, the shooting ground owner, for hosting the event and sponsoring the referees. Thanks also to Mike and Allen for their refereeing, patience and good humour.
 
Shoot Report
Martin Crix

Results
 
Singe Barrel
1st Dave Marland 14 (ex 15)

2nd Martin Crix 14

3rd Shane Rainey 14
 
Double Barrel
1st Martin Crix 23 (ex 25)

2nd Steve Tomasso 20

3rd Shane Rainey 19
 
Flintlock
1st Dave Elvin 12 (ex 15)

2nd Bev Keeble 12

3rd Mike Swingler 12
 
Ladies
1st Clare Mills 13 (ex 15)

2nd Jane Capewell 9
 
Hammer Gun
1st David Ellis 25 (ex 25)

2nd Bev Keeble 23

3rd Martin Crix 22.