Vale archers shoot for Wales in contest (From Barry And District News)

Vale archers shoot for Wales in contest

ARCHERS from the Vale of Glamorgan made up four of the five-man Welsh team which recently contested the IFAA European Field Archery Championships in Parnu, Estonia.

The tournament began with an opening ceremony at Parnu's Joulamae Stadium where Welsh archer Mathew Symmonds was picked by the Estonian Field Archery Association to be the reader of the tournament oath.

This is an honour bestowed on the representative of a European nation deemed to command the respect of the archers of Europe.

Mathew said: "I was thrilled to be asked to read the oath. To address 400 of Europe's best archers at Joulamae was an amazing experience that I will never forget."

The five days of shooting began the next day in hot and humid conditions. The first day's shooting saw veteran internationals Bob Lloyd and Mathew Symmonds both shoot personal best scores to earn top ten first day standings.

Geraint Thomas had a disastrous first day when his bow broke. The team spent the evening desperately trying to find another bow for Geraint, and eventually, a member of the England team came to his aid and supplied a suitable bow.

The next day Geraint dug deep, shooting a high score with unfamiliar equipment to remain in the top 20.

Day 3 saw Geraint Thomas, Leigh Wallington, Bob Lloyd and Mathew Symmonds record personal best scores, the latter equalling the Welsh record which was set by Aberthaw archer Viv Morgan in 1981.

After a largely uneventful fourth day there was everything to shoot for on the final day with Mathew Symmonds and Richard Doore in contention for 4th place in the freestyle category and Leigh Wallington within shouting distance of 5th place in the compound barebow division.

Meanwhile, Bob Lloyd needed a good performance to win the C class freestyle Championship. Bob duly delivered to become Wales' only medal winner of the championships.

Mathew and Richard were unable to keep out Bernd Stadler of Germany who denied both Welshmen to take 4th place while British Champion Leigh Wallington made a solid finish to secure 5th place in the compound barebow division.

Geraint Thomas showed true class on the final day by equalling his personal best.

Finishing Positions

Bob Lloyd (from Barry), Class C Champion and 11th place overall, Freestyle Recurve.

Richard Doore (from Rhoose), 5th place overall, Freestyle Recurve.

Mathew Symmonds (from Llantwit Major), 6th place overall, Freestyle Recurve.

Geraint Thomas (from Pontyclun), 20th place overall, Freestyle Unlimited.