Rugeley win top prizes at County Championship

Rugeley collected a table of silverware at the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association’s Championships on Sunday.

Richard Hemingway retained his title as County Long Range Champion, winning the double dewar match by four points thanks to an excellent set of 100yard cards. Dave Glover was second, and claimed the County 50Metre Championship, pipping Richard at the shorter distance.

Paul Baron became Staffordshire C-Class Champion. Phoebe Haughton – Rugeley’s 2024 Young Gun champion – was Staffordshire Junior Champion and also Staffordshire Ladies Championship.

Steve Rowe of City of Stoke RC was Staffordshire Veteran Champion, whilst Olivia Kirkland of Altrincham Rifle Club was Open Ladies Champion.

Martyn Buttery and Dave Glover won the Pairs competition. Rugeley’s team won the Astor Tankard for best club team.

At the start of the prizegiving, Richard – Staffordshire’s County Captain and representative to NSRA Shooting Council – presented a special service award to County Treasurer Judith Simcock of Market Drayton Rifle Club. Judith has served on her club committee for over 15 years and became Treasurer to the County in 2010, which makes this year her 15th anniversary in post. In addition to committee duties, Judith has been the supervising scorer at the County Championship for 8 years.

Medals at County Championships

Rugeley shooters dominated at the first Staffordshire County Championship since 2019.

Rich Hemingway renewed his claim as Staffordshire County Champion on Sunday, retaining the Association Cup from the most recent County Championship in 2019. Scoring 780/800 over a Double Dewar, Richard also won the Open Championship for the first time, earning the “Come Day-Go Day” Salver. In winning the County Championship, he was also leading scorer in A-Class and went on to win the County 50Metre title with a score of 593/600 at that distance.

Paul Baron won B-Class and the Swynnerton Cup.

Helen Robinson won Class C, and was the top scoring junior in the Open meeting.