After being unexpectedly thrust in the limelight last term, York’s shooters are aiming for victory in their Roses clash.
Until a few years ago, the very concept of a Roses clay pigeon shooting event would have seemed absurd to most York sport observers.
The University of York Clay Pigeon Shooting Club is a relatively young organization, barely a couple of years old, but has built itself up in that short space of time into a functional and well organized social shooting club, having had great success in its primary aim of bringing the sport of clay pigeon shooting to York, and getting new people involved in the sport.
The competitive arm of the club, however, has been an even more recent addition. After a positive showing at BUCS last year for such a new team, finishing joint 9th out of 11, the club were expected to build upon that success in this year’s contest, but missed BUCS due to a scheduling error.
UYCPSC’s biggest test this year came in the form of Hull at Varsity. Due to the points system and the event scheduling, shooting’s twelve points ended up being the deciding factor in the tournament, half a week after the main event had finished.
With all eyes on the fledgling outfit UYCPSC downplayed their chances against the established Hull outfit, who counted amongst their number a team GB shooter. Ultimately, despite a valiant battle, York suffered a narrow defeat.
However, there is no doubt that York Shooting are on the up and up, and their record against Lancaster has been positive, having defeated them on home turf in 2012.
Without a doubt UYCPSC’s main man is the indomitable force of Jordan Gillies, whose 40/50 clays result at Varsity easily topped York’s scorecard. Others to watch include club president Charlotte Williams, veterans Sheldon Warnick and Martin McClenaghan and the up and coming first year shooter Sean Bossick.
Speaking to Vision, UYCPSC treasurer Sean Bossick said “York clay pigeon club has only recently begun building its competitive team; we feel that we put in a good showing against Hull in Varsity and will hopefully be able to build on that experience for Roses”
York’s shooters face off against Lancaster at Park Lodge Shooting Club on the Sunday, for four valuable points, and Roses glory.