Local archers hit the target at championships

There was success for local archers in England recently.

The 16-year-old was one of many local archers competing at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. with the locals bringing home medals from a successful tournament.

Rebecca first came to attention two years ago when she was selected to try out for the British Target Squad.

Since securing her place on the team this talented young archer has not ceased to disappoint.

A bronze medal in China, silver at the Europa Cup, Moscow, and bronze team medal at the World Field Championships, Croatia.

Last week at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry Rebecca picked off one by one some of Britain’s top seeds in the adult category to reach the final of the compound Ladies category.

In a nail biting 15 arrow shoot off Rebecca took second place to British number one Naomi Jones, narrowly missing out on first place by just one point.

Banbridge teenager Jake Walsh took second place in the compound cadet category last week at the Ricoh arena, Coventry.

This was Jake’s first trip to the Nationals, the UK’s largest indoor shoot.

Jake has dedicated much of his time to training and is due to travel to the mainland next year to try out for the British Compound Squad.

Joel Bell from Moneyslane brought home some bling in the form of a Gold Medal shooting in the under 16 Barebow category.

This win added to his current collection of 6 British Medals and numerous British records.

Meanwhile, Senior International archer Mark Nesbitt finished in 4th place in one of the largest categories, Men’s Recurve.

Aimee Convery, who was among the youngest in her category, narrowly missed out on fourth place.

Both Dean Hamilton and Morgan Russell Cowan put in steady performances amongst very tough competition.

Megan Bryer, Rory Fitzpatrick, and Paul McDowell shot for the first time Nationally also putting in impressive personal best scores.

All of the above archers train at The Northern Ireland National Junior Academy, under the guidance of Manager Damien Lennon.

For further information on any aspect of archery see the Northern Ireland Archery Society Web Page or you can visit them on Facebook.