REME Clay Target Shooting

REME Sport

Smashing Clays – Again!

Scribe: Col Mark Simpson

Over the period 6-7 October 2021, the Army Clay Target Championships was held at the Barbury Shooting School near Lyneham, and yet again the REME Clay Target Team proved its currently unassailable position as the premier Clay Target team in the Army. The team walked away with many awards at both individual and team level at all skill stages.

This years’ competition attracted over 190 participants from across the Army and was spread across 2 days to facilitate the numbers who wanted to attend; whilst being able to maintain a COVID complaint

Poised and ready for those ‘Pesky’ Rabbit targets

Members of the Corps CT team on the 11th stand of 12 Cpl Milner getting in the ‘Zone’ – finishing on an outstanding score of 88

competition. It consisted of a 100 Bird shoot across 12 differing, but in some cases very technical stands, which set to test the abilities of all, from the accomplished shots to the novices, all of whom were put through their paces. It was really pleasing to see an increased number of ladies taking part for the first time in some numbers; following the recent Women In Sport introduction day. Maj AnneMarie Douglas made her first appearance at the championships as a novice and did very well too; but we need more ladies for next year –Ladies, where are you???

COVID requirements meant that unfortunately there was no final triumphant prize giving, but once collated, the scores were announced online, and yet again, for the third year running REME were the ‘Top Guns’ – literally. The Corps took all Three top slots as individuals, with Cfn Alex Horton, for the second year securing his position as the best Clay Target shot in the Army with a score of 95; winning both the Army Rifle Association (ARA) Gold Jewel, and REME Cup. He was closely followed by Sgt Ben Hunt and Cpl Mark Jones, with 93 and 91 respectively. In fact, Seven of the top overall Ten scores went to REME shooters. It goes without saying that collectively, the REME Corps team came first in the team event where those three were joined by SSgt Mike Tyler and WO2 Pete Meager, to deliver an overall score of 436 winning by some margin against their closes rival (RLC) with a collective score of 384.

REME Clay Target shooting continues to work hard in identifying and nurturing our stars of today and tomorrow at every level; and clearly that hard work is paying dividends. The REME team and Committee remain very grateful for the ongoing support it receives from the REME Charity, and of course the dedication of amazing sportsmen and women, who yet again have knocked it out of the park!!