The MFTA Winter League began at Far Coley in Staffordshire. Despite a clear sky and plenty of sunshine there was a cold edge that signalled winter was on its way. A light breeze drifted across the Far Coley woodland, just enough to tickle pellets away from the kill zone or perhaps not enough to guide that straight-one onto the paddle.
After a very successful summer for midlands' shooters there now followed the challenge of ten rounds of the Winter League. Whilst the WL is a great introduction to the sport of Field Target shooting it is also a fervent competition. Top gun from last year was Neil Daniels and there were many excellent shooters after his crown. Maybe the overall title was only for a coveted few but the lure of a place in the MFTA Inter-regional team (top 15) and the Frayed Knot team (top 30) was there for all to dream.
Steve Page, back from South Africa and amongst the favourites for the WL title.
Far Coley's shooting ground consists of various terrain set in working farmland. Today the course started with six targets around a fishing pool, it then meandered up to a new shooting line offering woodland targets. Then on to the empty pool, where declined shots could be found, and finally a tricky pair in exposed field. An excellent test!
Two shooters, Stuart Hancox and Steve Page, came off the course early sharing an impressive score of 28; this would be later matched by Neil Daniels. Michael Brown and Marc Fisher bagged a pair of 27's to give Castle three shooters in the top 5. The scoring then got tight with fifteen shooters sharing 16th spot having knocked over 24.
It was good to see old friends and some new faces on the line.
One of the bonuses of FT is that there's always something to see. Today the farmland was alive with birds but I was surprised when this little fellow flew across the pond whilst I was waiting at lane 1.

Round 2 of the MFTA Winter League took place at Castle FTC near Nottingham. It was a beautiful autumn morning, the sky was clear and there was only a little wind. The car park at Castle was bathed in sunshine but a trip into the woodland saw the temperature plummet. The weather forecast had promised 8mph wind and this coupled with Steve Page's poly-directional course was sure to be a test. The dense woodland of Castle can provide some shelter from the wind but there are open avenues that are exposed which meant that each target needed careful thought.
The misses on the targets today were offering little clues as to the wind direction. What was evident though was that some shooters were missing low, probably because of the cold. Targets were showing the tell tale crescent below the kill-zone. Some face plates had taken quite a battering, particularly the 40 yard stander!
Despite talk of lots of misses some top guns were constructing a good round. Once again Mr Daniels sent the message that he was MFTA Champion and wasn't ready to relinquish it. Well done Neil for an excellent 29.
Being close to the NEFTA region means that a Castle competition will attract our friends from the north but today a surprise Welsh interloper, fresh from 3rd place at the Worlds; well done Berty!
I wasn't there but I gather it was very windy. Congratulations to Marc Fisher whose score of 23 was 2 clear of the field.
Millride it seems is always blighted by poor weather. Last Winter League the wind was gale force and the GP in May saw conditions more akin to the Southern Ocean. So when the forecast for this weekend was for more of the same I'm sure many shooters considered doing a bit of DIY on Sunday. However, the sky remained blue all morning and the sun slowly warmed us all up. I think that some shooters were disappointed that the urban myth had been broken, I heard one claim "we're not supposed to get sunshine at Millride".
Today's shoot consisted of 22 targets within the small wood and 8 exposed targets in the field. It started with a welcoming 55 yarder which was quickly followed by a high stander that caused problems for a few. The wind direction was mainly parallel to the shooting line which meant only a little needed to be given for wind but deciding which side was tricky. It was a long course yet early scores were high. First on the line was Karl and Debbie Clarke from Millride; Karl set the pace with an excellent 28 and Debbie a strong 20 to help her pursuit for the C grade table. This is Debbie; I think!
Millride is the home ground of Mitchel Tomes who today added another 21 to his string of good scores. He is 2nd in B grade and a shoe-in for the Frayed Knot team. Keep it ip Mitch!
1,807 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1401 – 1600 of 1807 Newer› Newest»Last minute of the 90 and England have the ball. It is sent out right to Peter Crouch!!!!!!
What's "aving a laugh" in Italian I wonder?
the forecast on the official Millride website indicates mostly cloudy but no rain till at least 1pm.
http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast-hourly.asp?partner=netweather&locCode=EUR|UK|UK218|Cannock&metric=1&hbhday=2&hbhhour=6
con una risata
with a "what"
what time are we starting in the morning chaps?
Hi Paul,
there for 7am. YIKES!!!
thanks Shaun, I'll see you there.
How did you get on today?
Just practising as it has been a month since my last encounter.
I'm not confident about tomorrow. Mainly because I want to protect my grade average.
I haven't shot well for the last couple of weeks so I am hoping to do better tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.Got to give the laptop back now.
Are you in a large room ... room
everyone gone to bed?
hi lads ! you arn`t going to shout at me tonight are you shaun. i promise to be have..........................realy
what are you drinking tonight?
cider and just eating beef curry fron slit eyes
Sound like ideal preparation for tomorrow Ian.
England stuffed in Rugby League and limped home in the Union.
weather forecast for Cannock has just been upgraded to gale force
well i have tried not drinking so now i will try with plenty see wat happens
Evening all, countdown has begun! After three disappointing showings can Baltipal turn in a Grade saving score tomorrow?
No
only joking, you'll be great. the only problem you might have is the groupies following you around wanting a stroke of your face fuzz
run out of cider going for a refill
I respectfully but forcefully disagree, I feel a 23ex30 coming on!
I have been psycologically prepareing myself for the enevitable effect my whiskers will have on the ladies but women do weaken legs & if I want to achieve my sporting peak I must abjure their advances!
well done, I admire your willpower.
Myself, I bang the back out of anything that showed the slightest interest.
You soldier Gregory!
Greg I've booked for Euskadi
Shower then bed, up at 0500hrs tomorrow you know!
if they carry you there is a strong possibility they mite weeken at the knees mate
Right, time to prepare my kit for tomorrow. Blog soon.
is that a cold one
C'mon C'mom, C'mom lads where's the chat?
I suppose you're all getting massaged, eating pasta and getting an early night. Very impressed with your dedication gentlemen.
Okay I'll join you. Goodnight and good luck tomorrow.
Pussies
Still up for at least another couple of hours.
Ive run out of snacks.
Scores are up already on FC site.
Yes seen already seen them Jon..
Shooting today mate....
Me SEEN to much me thinks
Presentable John, long way to go yet and quite shocked at the present placings.
No illusions i expect 5 or so to overtake me. Nice to make the top 15 for a change, its been a long time.
Problem now is i have only around 40 pellets enough for next w/l in two weeks.
Ere John got away from Millride at 4.23pm, that Saun kept me talking.
evening team.
Like it Jon
Evening Mr G
Thought it went quite well today.
Could have greeted the visitors with some Millride wind, shame it wasnt like yesterday.
Better give mutley a walkies Celebrities on in an hour.
but Jon, Top Gear is on at 9, no reality nonsense, just 3 blokes dicking about in cars
So, just incase there was anyone I missed and doesn't know the tale (think I got most people :) ), I got 8/10 for 1st 10, then 4/10 and had all 4 long shots hit low. After a word from Karl, added 2 yards to all ranges and targets started going over again. Was OK with ranges, got 55 yards for target 1 and 54 yards for long rat (target 11?).
So that must have been gun zero dropping low.
Did anyone else have shots go low?
Roy, sympathies to you and your family, hope the old guy can now get some peace.
Thanks for your good wishes Phil, they're very much appreciated. Very strange emotions obviously.
I was very keen to see all the scores coming in and am looking forward to hearing the stories behind them.
I would have only dropped 3 today......ahem!
Evening bloggers. I am typing in the dark because I've pulled the pull switch off my bedroom light.
Good show today from all 'riders, maximum effort made for a smooth, efficient & enjoyable comp today that few could complain about.
No comments yet posted on the forums but just 3 whistles I think all day, one of them for walkers next door beyond our control, slaps on backs all round!
My target for today was to beat Steve Lloyd & Graeme Fisher, I did both & am currently placed ahead of Graeme & one point behind Steve. 75% my disciplines & if I'd just managed to avoid double dinking those two lanes I'd have got my target 21. As it was I'll live with 19............for now!
Roy, you were going like gangbusters up to that point this morning, right on form.
Sorry I didn't respond to your text but I didn't notice it till alittle while ago.
Deepest sympathies to you & Jackie, I'm really so sorry for your loss!
Thanks Greg. It was probably good for me to quit when I did because I felt that all my hits had been a bit fortunate.
So sorry Roy. Give those close our respect...
Thanks John, much appreciated. How was your round?
No mate, you were on a good 'un, I could tell! At one point I broke my own rule & glanced at our scorecards, Jonny was one down, you were two & I was four.
How were the targets in the field?
Not too bad. Right to left, aim high & right, I got about half of them.
Was there a general consensus about the event? ie weather, length, difficulty etc.
A Looooooooong Course, one target beyond 55 yards apparently!
Hi Guy's, just like to thank you all for a great shoot today.
No problem Neale, just pleased the weather played ball today!
Just back from the Hospital where they injected me with dye, dilated my pupils with very stingy stuff then did some very close range flash photography directly into them!
It's a good job the Nurse warned me that both myself & my wee may well turn bright yellow as the first piss I took scared the bejaggers out of me!!!!!!!!
I bet not as much as it scared the nurse though
Evening all but firstly sympathy for Roy, if theres anything we can do, dont hesitate.
Phil, none gone low and nothing had to dial more than 55 for including the mentioned one with head wind!
At the end of the day there was around 10 shots low, most out high left or out left on height.
The field ranged more than the woods as expected by around two yards.
So there was 4 55 yarders, five around 51 to 53, maybe another 2nd lane in field yellow paint on tree, dunno missed it?
Apparently, we cut it fine there was nearly a clearance.
Before i forget well done Karl.
Indeed, well done Karl, Millride Topgun!
Theres a lesson to be learnt there Greg.
O c'mon on, somebody post 1500
ok i will
Phil the jungles on in 1 1/4hrs
Evening Chaps, and thanks for the kind words Jon.
Greg, this photo you had done today; is it the same one as on the front page of the blog? If it is then, you're right,.....truly horific.
Head to Head final round on Saturday so here's a link for you, and in the words of Jim Bowen on Bullseye, this is what you could have won.
http://www.holdensbrewery.co.uk/index.asp?loc=productlist
See what you mean Roy, he has one of those faces.
Only needs a pair of tights over his head and could help himself in a bank.
NOT FAIR, GANGING UP ON A SICK MAN!
I've got yellow piss you know!
Roy, I'm in the process of booking the flight, given it any thought? Difficult time I know but........
He looks like he's been eating a cat, with all that fur around his face.
Greg, I'm hoping to do it very soon.
Dont piddle in the snow.
Greg suits you sir.
Its just that pink bit in the middle.
Mutley walkie walkie, hes talking to me now.
Flight booked £152 all in.
Just got to renew my Passport now.
Have you included their insurance then. If you have, have another look because when I looked at it last year it didn't cover you for pre-existing medical conditions.
I have hypertension & Diabetes neither are associated with sudden attacks of anything, I may take out separate insurance, didn't you have to get some form from the Post Office back in the day, for travelling in Europe?
Yes, E11 I think. I have high blood pressure, and if remember correctly any illness associated with it was not covered.
what illnesses are those? head exploding?
It's actually theEuropean Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and you can get it online at
www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
Evening all!
Roy may I add my commiserations.
Thanks Shaun, your words are much appreciated. Tell me about your Sunday.
Started off awful, I dropped 4 from the first 8 targets. Then I had a better patch and entered the field 6 down. Quite how I don't know but the field only cost me one more.
I'd started the day anxious because I really wanted to maintain my average. Looking back I think I could have had another 2.
Here's an interesting number story, wake up Greg, I started the day on average 79.3% and after all my worrying my score for the day was? Yes you're right 79.3%
Passport renewal application made, 'Tis a wonderous age we live in!
Was it the field that generally caught people out or was there any other feature of the course that was particularly challenging?
The length.
The wind was tricky but not strong.
No, if I'd aimed dead centre from lane one I'd have got 21. The field was difficult because of the shooting position for me not the conditions.
Well the Millride positions for the Cup are (team has 6 members).
1) John Harris 363
2) Daz Tomes 361
3) John Cox 337
4) Karl Clarke 309
All the above have qualified for the Masters
5)Mitchell Tomes 301
6)Ian Stoddart 252
Those chasing
7) Shaun Shore 235
8) Debbie Clarke 223
9) Mark Charlton 207
10) Phil J 205
Hi Chaps, thanks for the comments, I only came out the kill on one target on Sunday the rest were inside edges , as Phil G said I added a couple of extra clicks to dial as noticed I was going low I think temp related ... ................................. Our thoughts are with your family Roy on your loss..
Sorry guys going to miss this Saturdays Shoot as going up to Redferns Sat then onto the North Yorkshire moors for the NEFTA shoot at Draft on Sunday..
Good luck Karl & Debbie.
I have to express my frustration at car componant designers, two hours to change a headlamp bulb! TWO HOURS!!!!!!!
You'd think it would be commonsense to arrange the headlight assembly so that you pulled a waterproof rubberised plastic bulb housing from the back of the headlight unit, you could then see which one wasn't working then utilising a twist & pull action you could remove it, twist & push the new one in & plug the whole lot back into it's place, two minutes flat BUT NO! The whole thing has to be near impossible to access, it has to be made up of retaining clips that don't quite fit & of course be impossible to see while doing the job & bulbs that fit into a invisible hole then have to be held by fingertips only, as that's all there is barely room for, whilst trying to reconnect the power plugs.
Now, the law say's that it is illegal for me to operate a vehicle with a defective bulb even in daylight, but clearly it is impossible to change these bulbs without removing hoses, batteries or atleast disconnecting first, so how is it possible for someone to change a bulb at roadside, possibly in the dark or in the rain?
There should be a British standard that say's that ALL car designs should allow for this & it should be possible to change any bulb on the side of the road in less than two minutes, if a car doesn't meet this requirment than it shouldn't be allowed to be sold in the U.K.!
Rant over.
I discovered why I'd temporarily lost the capability to use the ALT key to produce the spanish gramatical symbols, you need the Number Lock on aswell & it wasn't.
Shaun, along with my previous instructions makesure number lock is active.
Phew!! Where did all that come from?
Thats in a diesel with plenty of room Greg.
Worst i ahve to do is pull out relays encased in a block, just lift block up out of plastic spring clips.
Thats only for drivers side.
Now going to order some new bulbs, hope thay aint the chinky crap again which lasted all summer with no use.
Bear in mind work in middle of no where, 5 miles out the lighting at Telford 9 mile away has a great impact. One day one headlight went on way in and the other just starting out 32 mile to go. Glad i had driving lights which i normally use following them with rear fog lights on.
Now to figure out H1 or H3, must stay legal 55W.
Incidently allowed 60W with H4, those 90/130W are good on all four lights.
Roy, it's the realisation that even changing a bulb is getting to be beyond the average bloke in the street. At one time I'd tackle a service myself, points, leads, oil, water, filters & plugs. I'm not very mechanically minded but it was possible, even expected for a motorist to to able to do. Now it's clear that the way they are designed you are not SUPPOSED to even attempt it! It's riddiculous but you are expected to take your car into the Garage for a burned out bulb or a blown fuse!
Check it out
http://am_application.osram.info/publish/index_en.html
What's BNP?
Evening all!
Are you calm Gregory?
Night breaker Gregory
Jungles on waiting for Jimmy to kick off
It's SGU for me!
Evening chaps.
Even you can't believe it I'm alive!.
Sorry to be outside of the blog since a lot of time.
I saw some Spanish improvements and some important events like the booking flights of some Millriders to the next Euskadi's Open.Well done mates!
Hola Jesus.
Has there been any FT in Euskadi recently?
No Shaun.
We had two weeks a go very good comp in Lupiana , close to Madrid.
We had a terrible cold and windy day, so my performance was horrible.
Please, find the link of the report comp and some videos.
http://euskalft.org/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=59&func=view&catid=2&id=3366&limitstart=24
s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/TESLA06...p;current=Sanjon.flv
Sorry. I think the links doesn't work well.
Try this other:
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/TESLA0611/Lupiana%20videos/?action=view¤t=Mamel.flv
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/TESLA0611/Lupiana%20videos/?action=view¤t=Peponeenaccin.flv
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/TESLA0611/Lupiana%20videos/?action=view¤t=Sanjon.flv
Hello everybody. Greg, I used to enjoy messing about with cars and have rebuilt a number of engines. Now i just don't want to know......that's what you have kids for.
Karl, I'm sorry for being so rude but I forgot to thank you for your kind thoughts, they really are appreciated.
Some piccies of the event.
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/TESLA0611/Lupiana%20videos/
Jesus, that look very un-Spanish weather in Madrid.
Yeahhh.
it was a surprise for everybody.
But Jose and others shooters were able to obtain good scores even the wind.
Right my eyes are giving up.
Goodnight and buenos noches!
Buenas noches Shaun.
Dream with angels ( of Charly )
Now I do have fond memories of the Angels. Sabrina was my favourite.
In case you guys are worried about Ian's absence I can inform that his computer is on the blink.
I have fond memories of Charlies Angels.
evening blogsters
http://abinitioadinfinitum.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/charlies-angels.jpg
Jaclyn Smith for me please
did you know that Jacklyn Smith did all 113 episodes, Farah Fawcett did only 29 episodes, Cheryl Ladd did 90 and Kate Jackson did 69 shows.
fascinating.
Any irony in my desire for Sabrina and that she did 69 shows?
Only that you'd got more chance with Bosley
He had his charm!
Come on Ireland!!!
Half time 1-0 to Ireland. Let's hope they don't sit back because another goal would mean France need 3.
Evening blogtypes, whats-a-cookin'?
Oh dear, that football is on again!
A big match Greg and so far a good one!
Mmmmmmm!
Henri - you cheat!
Last 15, come on Ireland.
Get it in the penalty area and the ref'll give a pen to even things out.
I think it's lost now. Keane had two good chances to make it 2-0.
We have a visitor so watching it with one eye and sound off.
I am naive or what ... the bloke blatantly cheated and now takes the applause.
I'm off blog on Friday.
M Platini will tell us that it's a well deserved win!
I assume everyone is watching "I'm a nobody, get me a panto"?
Watching secretly are we Phil?
Evening guys...
We've watched previous years, but we missed the first one this year (cos of Top Gear), so haven't bothered with it.
Sounded like a bunch of nobodies.
Evenings both.
Mmm Sam still looks good 20 odd years on, Lucy aint bad either.
Kim has a current show so not a wannabe, the rest are.
¡Holá, buenas tardes! I'm back from my penultimate Spanish lesson & by an odd quirk of fate, we were booking Hotel rooms tonight!
I deliberately missed the football last night but it seems like I saw it anyway, I've heard SO much about it today, HONESTLY,IT'S A BLOODY GAME!!!!!! YOU LOST, GET OVER IT!!!!!
Ridiculous!
No Greg, it is not a game, it is the game.
Jon last H2H saturday, do you fancy shooting it together as it is so close.. I believe you have a 2 to drop to my 4. Could make for a interesting shoot
Jonta, ask Greg for some tips on intimidation.
Can do John if i can find some pellets.
I'll be there at 8.30am.
Bet Roy can verify this Phil
8.30 Jon
Moi!!!!!!
Is Robbie here this Saturday?
Not Williams????????????
You're right, no it's not.
The South African fellow.
This Saturday must do another S&B wheel tomorrow and turret for Bulgaria. Haha who aint shot his gun?
Might take a flyer and go to DAI for some slugs.
watching that Children in Need thing on BBC1.
McCartney takes the phish. Just cos he was in the Beatles. The guy hasn't made a decent record in 40 years
Yes, it's the big one on Sat and I'll be trying my best to catch Greg up despite his Henry-like antics. I've been to the Holdens Brewery today to get a case of Golden, the anticipation of which might prove too much for him and put him off his shooting. If I win I'll make him watch me give them out to the other shooters. That should panic him.
Infact, I seem to remember his ability to write a decent tune stopped sometime during the 8th of December 1980
thats McCartney, not Greg
He wrote Hey Jude - which was pretty good - without Sir John
that was lucky
as you would guess, Lennon and Macca have written by far the most UK no 1's at 33.
Who is 3rd with 13?
you're not googling it are you?
Clue please.
and, unless I'm mistaken, he wrote Hey Jude before 1980...
lady, recent ish, part of a girl group
My point was that he wrote it and many others without the assistance of Sir John
I know, I'm exaggerating to make a point
Twas released in 1968 Phil
curses
Yeah too slow Phil
must get my gain wound up a bit
Gain at best i can only get 1.7mb on LLU, think yourself lucky.
I'm not good at girlie bands. I'm thinking a member of the Spice Chicks
for this question or generally?
Whats this pub qiuz night tonight fellas
you are correct.
it is a Spice lady
Jerry Halliwell
one of the 2
C or B?
Another girlie?
Note it wasnt a needless post as well.
Most number ones lifted from Everyhit.com
# Elvis Presley (21, three of these songs twice and one as 'Elvis vs JXL')
# The Beatles (17, one with Billy Preston)
# Cliff Richard (14, six with The Shadows, one with The Drifters, one with The Young Ones)
# Westlife (14, one with Mariah Carey).
# Madonna (13)
# Take That(11)
# The Shadows (11 : six of them with Cliff Richard)
Mel C.
http://britishhitsongwriters.com/page4.htm
I would have guessed Bernie Taupin or ABBA blokies.
tHE sCOUSER
Well I don't envy you the weather on Saturday gentlemen.
I'm off for some beauty sleep - blog in a month or so!
Not on hols again are we Mr C?
Just come back, no wonder the kids are thick.
what happened to Greg and Roy, they going 2 falls or 1 submission on the mat?
Or a knock out
Just sitting back enjoying the conversation. I'm off to bed though now as we've got to go down to Dorset for the day tomorrow........warm weather training for saturday.
Goodnight Roy, just off to give the mut a quick walkies.
Hi chaps , best of luck to both Jon and Jonta on Saturday cannot make it as up at Redferns as making a whistle stop tour of the north of England..Say Hello to Robbie for me Jon.. would have liked to have meet him.... Me and debs have booked our flights to the Euskadi 2010 open , I have emailed Jesus to book me and debs a double room as far away from Gregg as posssible ( LOL ) So thats 5 millriders on tour next year. we have booked the same flights as Shaun there and back.. It cost me more to buy 2 pelicases for the guns than the flights but at least I can use them in Hungary as well. Phil Gee I have not forgotten about the text you sent me I am working on it..Karl
Evening chaps.
I am delighted to hear that more and more Millriders decide to come to Euskadi.
Karl, I note to book the hotel in the same way as Shaun.OK?
Good on yer Karl & Debs!
The f-ing dryer has bust now, will I ever be free of white goods!
Where is everyone tonight anyway?
Ahh, ¡mi amigo Jesús! ¿como estas?
Hola amigo Greg!!!!!
Yo me encuentro bien. ¿ Y tú? ¿ Cómo estás?
The better for hearing from you my friend!
Funnily enough, we were booking hotel rooms during my last Spanish lesson,
'¡Quisieras una habitación individual con baño y una ducha, por favor!'
Very good!!!
Really, you have a goal to learn spanish!
Evening all, buenas noches amigos. Mi nombre es Shaun. Estoy casado a Evelyn y tengo tres hijos: George, Michael y Peter.
Greg, did you read my answer about the Caserio?
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