Sunday 31st August saw the county of London championships, held at Kensington Palace Gardens in London. The tournament was organised by Gavin Simmons, ably assisted by the usual suspects from A.C.M.E. and utilising A.C.M.E. technology (no, not vodka on this occasion).

As well as the archers from the county, a number of familiar faces were present, Paul Williamson and Ian McGibbon representing SGB and David Wilson, representing ASKA. Unfortunately four people were required for a team, and as Eleanor was shooting for London Archers she was unable to help form a ìwell we have some vague link to Scotland therefore we can shoot for Scotlandî team.

There was also controversy in the compound section where the Swedish imports affiliated to the county of London that morning, making them eligible to compete in the competition. This relegated the slightly jaded David Spinner to second place before the competition had even started.

Everything started well for the Guest (Celt) contingent, with them taking the top 3 spots on the leader board. This prompted worried cries from the locals who were vaguely worried that the Scots may be able to defeat them.

More worried were the youngíuns from Imperial College who were looking to retain their team trophy against the assembled ìmore matureî folk of the London Archers. As it was, age triumphed over ?beauty? with London Archers emerging victorious. The SGB 2-man team finishing in fourth (though they would have won had they roped in anyone with Scottish links).

Individually, Ian McGibbon headed the field at the end, with David Wilson in second and Paul Williamson in fourth by one point, behind home boy Rik Meucci (of Italian descent!). Sweden won the Gents and Ladies compound divisions, Bjorn Andersson not quite managing the clean round he was intending, but still shooting a pretty impressive 1252 for his first York!

In the ladies recurve, Veronica Bray triumphed over former Edinburgh girl Eleanor, with Leo Lang in third. Unsurprisingly a Mongolian won the Mongolian Gent, although no-one could understand if he was pleased or not due to language difficulties and the fact that he disappeared off on horseback.

The day ended with a large BBQ being cooked by head chef Ben Glazier. Flesh was feasted on and was washed down by copious amounts of ale. Well, a couple anyway.
 

For full results click here.

SGB will shoot again at the SAA Premier Double Olympic round, to be held at Penicuik, on the 6th and 7th of September.