Our second attempt at a friendly competition went much better than the first (when British Airways sabotaged 75% of the team). Making it a handicap event meant that both Hamish (compound) and Kev (longbow) could come play. Unfortunately, setting it on the first practice day of the new year was a mistake, as only 2 people in the competition managed a better-than-average score!

With Hamish, Jo and Kev raring to go, and John making a shaky fourth (lack of stamina and a previous injury meant that we didnít know if he could shoot the whole event), the team was dealt a blow by Ian and Tam pulling out with 15 minutes to go. A very ill Mel therefore had to revise her plans of going back to bed, and hit the lucozade in the hope of getting her energy levels up enough for 66 arrows...

Kev did stormingly, with a massive hike of his Portsmouth pb (unfortunately, great FITA 18 and 25 scores meant that he only ended up ëaverageí). Jo also did well, about 10 points more than she expected. Hamish discovered that even less-than-copious amounts of alcohol the night before made him unable to focus properly and John started very well, then began the jitterbug routine in the 4th dozen (but he finished, yey!). Mel managed to somehow only screw up one arrow per end, and came away very happy considering the sweaty, unattractive and thoroughly exhausted picture she presented.

In the end, Lethen only won by 42 points (team of 4 of 6), and enjoyed the match so much that we have been challenged to an outdoor round in the summer. Hopefully this will become a (semi) annual event for the Northern Contingent (Southerners welcome, of course), where much butt-kicking (by us!) will take place.

                                Lethen 2425                         SGB 2383