Burnham shooter Peter Pearce won national recognition by winning the W McCloud (Mac) Memorial Trophy at the English National Shooting Championships in Bisley, Surrey.

By David Pearce

PETER Pearce, from Burnham, has achieved national recognition by winning the W McCloud (Mac) Memorial Trophy at the English National Shooting Championships in Bisley, Surrey.

After a close and tense competition, Peter won by two points with a score of 569.

After the competition Peter said “I am delighted, but surprised to have won. The unfavourable weather conditions made it much more difficult.”

The championships, which are held every year, include the British Open Championship and always attract top shooters from around the world.

The Bisley ranges are renowned for variable weather conditions which present particular challenges for shooters. The wet and windy conditions on the first four days caused problems for all the competitors, but with the improved conditions, the competition became much tougher.

Peter shoots for Burnham Rifle Club, City of Oxford Rifle Club and Somerset Smallbore Rifle Association, and has been asked to represent the South West next season. Burnham Rifle Club is keen supporters of both new and established participants of the sport.