The last round of the Sunburn League 2014 took place on Sunday 21st September.

The wind certainly made for difficult shooting conditions seeming to blow in all directions pretty much all at the same time but still everyone shot well considering and even a few personal bests were recorded.

After 4 previous rounds the scores were quite tight in a number of categories. In the most improved handicap award for example, just one point separated the top 3 places and with the wind causing a number of archers to struggle, most of the other awards were still up for the taking.

Results from Round 5 and the overal results can be found below.

The winners of each round were therefore:

Junior National: Matthew Cooke
National: Frank Hollis
Long National: Oliver Johnson

The highest unadjusted scores shot (scores actually shot rather than adjusted by a handicap allowance) were:

Junior National (Recurve): Maisie Kennard 532
Junior National (Compound): James Camp 500
National (Recurve): Frank Hollis 446
Long National (Recurve): Oliver Johnson 460
Long Nation (Compound): Will Camp 571

The Sunburn League has been not only great fun but very successful. Before we reveal the final results here are a few facts and figures.

• 32 members took part or roughly 50% of the senior club
• On average those that took part improved their handicap by 4 points
• Of those that took part 68% either acheived their first classification or improved upon an existing one
• Of those that took part in 3 or more rounds their scores shot (not allowing for handicap) improved on average by 70-100 points for the same round.

It has been hugely rewarding to see so many people not only take part in each round but to also have seen them practising in the weeks between each round, working on their form, release, working up to greater distances bow tuning etc etc so as to ensure they have the best chance in the league. Congratulations to everyone that took part!

The Sunburn League will return next year with a few changes. Details will be announced later in the year but think Bigger and Better!

Photos from the 5th and final round of the 2014 league can be viewed below.

This year saw us launch the first ever Sunburn League which was a huge success with 2/3rds of participants either achieving or improving their classification and improving their handicap by an average of 4 points. Next year we are going bigger and better!

We have made a number of changes to the Sunburn League for 2015 the biggest being changing from shooting variations of the National round to shooting variations of the Long Metric and increasing the number number of rounds/leagues from 3 to 5. This means that next year every member will have the opportunity to achieve classifications all the way up to Bowman, the highest classification that can be achieved at club level.

The Leagues

There will be 5 different leagues compared to 3 this year. Each league will shoot a different round

The league/rounds we will be shooting are:

Long Metric (90M & 70M)
Long Metric I (70M & 60M)
Long Metric II (60M & 50M)
Long Metric III (50M & 40M)
Long Metric IV (40M & 30M) Juniors Only

Each round consists of 3 dozen arrows at each distance.

Depending on gender, age and bow type the following classifications could be achieved:
Long Metric - Up to Bowman for all archers
Long Metric I - Up to Bowman for all except Senior Gents
Long Metric II - Up to Junior Bowman for most juniors, 1st Class for Senior Ladies and 2nd Class for Senior GentsLong Metric III - Up to 2nd Class for Senior Ladies, 3rd Class for Senior Gents and Junior Bowman for most Juniors
Long Metric IV - Up to Junior Bowman depending on gender, age and bow type

The Rules

We have made a few changes to the rules for 2015.

1. You must have a valid handicap in order to enter the league
2. You can shoot in any league you wish with the exception of the Long Metric IV which is only open to juniors (under 18)
3. You can change leagues as many times as you want
4. Your top 3 scores in any one league count towards the leader board for that league
5. Your top 3 scores across all leagues count towards the leader board for the overall Sunburn League
6. Scoring will use the 10 zone scoring system (X,10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 for each ring of the target face)
7. In the event of a tie (after adding the handicap allowance) the number of X's will determine the winner. Should there still be tie, the number of 10's, 9's etc until a winner is determined.

In regards to Rule 1. A valid handicap is where you have completed 3 scored outdoor rounds in the past 12 months and submitted those scores to our Records Officer. If you have not done this then you will need to do this before April. We will allow anyone who doesn't have a valid handicap to shoot in the Sunburn League but your scores will not count towards the league but can be used to achieve a handicap.

The Rounds

We have increased the number of rounds from 5 to 7. Each round will have an assembly at 9:30am with shooting starting promptly at 10:00am. The dates for each round are as follows:

Round 1: 19th April 2015
Round 2: 10th May 2015
Round 3: 14th June 2015
Round 4: 12th July 2015
Round 5: 16th August 2015
Round 6: 13th September 2015
Round 7: 18th October 2015

The Prizes

There will be trophies for the following winners:

Most Improved Handicap
Winner of the Long Metric IV League
Winner of the Long Metric III League
Winner of the Long Metric II League
Winner of the Long Metric I League
Winner of the Long Metric League
Overall Winner of the Sunburn League

There will be medals for the following winners:

Highest individual score in the Long Metric IV League
Highest individual score in the Long Metric III League
Highest individual score in the Long Metric II League
Highest individual score in the Long Metric I League
Highest individual score in the Long Metric League

Due to the increased number of leagues and rounds regretably we will not be awarding medals to each months winners.

So get your bows tuned, get practicing and get ready for The Sunburn League 2015!

The Sunburn League 2015 has begun! Sunday 19th April saw round 1 of the new Sunburn League with more rounds, longer distances and more challenging.

Unlike last year, this year the Sunburn League is based on the various FITA/World Archery Long Metric rounds, namely the Long Metric IV, III, II, I and Long Metric. Whilst the sun was out so was the wind and with it cold temperatures, summer is on it's way but it's not here just yet! The wind also caused a few problems with several people reporting their arrows being blown this way and that and on more than one occasion a steady cross wind became a strong head wind just at the moment of release.

A big thank you to all that turned up to shoot and helped set up and pack away. A special thank you to our records officer Frank Hollis who came up to ensure all was running smoothly despite being too ill to shoot. Get well soon Frank!

Scores and photos from the day can be read below.

Please note the scores here have been verified and in some circumstances may differ from those shown on the leader-board photo due to either incorrect totaling on the score-sheet or a change in handicap etc.

The Winners

 Long Metric III:
1st: Gail Johnson 1445
2nd: James Camp 1424
3rd: Andrew Walford 1392

Long Metric II:
1st: Lee Newman 1464
2nd: Lloyd Mitchell 1387

Long Metric I:
1st: David Coates 1382
2nd: Julie Pede 1316

Long Metric:
1st: Dave Gregory 1428
2nd: Will Camp 1387

Full Results

The Sunburn League 2015 continued on Sunday 10th May with Round 2.

In total some 17 members competed across 4 different rounds achieving some impressive scores which will undoubtedly set handicaps tumbling. The Long Metric III was particularly hard fought with just 30 points separating the top three spots. For the second round in a row the winner of the Long Metric II was Lee Newman and also for the second round in a row, the winner of the Long Metric III and equaling her personal best was Gail Johnson. If you have entered the first two rounds then next months round will be the last one where your scores will automatically be added to the leaderboard. After next month (or after you've shot in 3 rounds) your scores only count if you beat one of your previous scores.

Full results and photos can be seen below.

The Winners

Long Metric IV:
1st: Louis Moorhouse-Booth 1608

Long Metric III:
1st: Gail Johnson 1459
2nd: William Camp 1442
3rd: Vernon Hawkes 1429

Long Metric II:
1st: Lee Newman 1493
2nd: Peter Dobson 1481
3rd: Ben Fearnside 1407

Long Metric:
1st: David Coates 1393
2nd: Will Camp 1311

Full Results

Photos from the day can be viewed below.

Round 3 of the Sunburn League took place on Sunday June 14th.

11 club members were not deterred by the weather, which looked like it could rain heavily for the first hour or so. Fortunately the rain held off and despite a few no shows the tournament started on time and a number of people shot so well that their handicaps are going to tumble.

There are 4 more rounds still to shoot in this years Sunburn League so there is still plenty of time to enter if you haven't already as only your top 3 scores count towards the league totals. Even if you only shoot once you could still win the trophy for highest handicap score. For the remaining rounds we have decided to make a small change to the rules. If you don't yet have a handicap you can now enter the Long Metric IV (previously only open to Juniors), your scores will count towards your handicap but won't be entered into league totals until you've achieved your handicap score.

 Full Results Can Be Seen Below

The Winners

Long Metric IV:
1st: Louis Moorhouse-Booth 1489

Long Metric III:
1st: Christian Kelly 1562
2nd: Gail Joohnson 1497
3rd: Vernon Hawkes 1407

Long Metric II:
1st: Lee Newman 1506
2nd: Peter Dobson 1429
3rd: Frank Hollis 1403

Long Metric:
1st: Dave Gregory 1453

Full Results

Round 4 of the Sunburn League did not take after it's name with rain and wind being the order of the day.

Despite the inclement weather some 14 members turned up to compete across 4 different rounds and yet again a number or archers shot scores that could well see their handicaps continue to fall.

As this was the 4th round anyone who had entered the previous 3 rounds had to better a previous score in order to improve their league totals. Thank you to everyone who helped set-up and take down all the targets, your help is very much appreciated.

Full results can be found below.

The Winners

Long Metric IV:
1st: Louis Moorhouse-Booth 1411

Long Metric III:
1st: Clive Talbot 1568
2nd: Christian Kelly 1559
3rd: Vernon Hawkes 1490

Long Metric II:
1st: Martin Folkes 1486
2nd: Peter Dobson 1468

Long Metric I:
1st: Ben Fearnside 1429
2nd: Oliver Johnson 1422
3rd: Lee Newman 1414

Long Metric:
1st: Terry Kennard 1401

Full Results

Round 5 of the 2015 Sunburn League took place on Sunday 16th August.

In a very close scoring tournament 11 archers competed across 5 rounds, Long Metric IV, III, II, I & Long Metric. Three club members shot well above their handicap and so will likely see their handicap drop further so well done to them. All the scores shot have now been verified, with a couple of corrections, and the leaderboards updated and the scores are very close. In the Long Metric III just 75 points separates 1st & 2nd place and just 6 points separate the top 3 places for highest score shot. In the Long Metric II 85 points separate 1st & 2nd place with 91 points separating the top 3 highest scores shot. In the Long Metric I just 15 points separate the top 3 highest scores and in the Long Metric incredibly just 3 points separate the top 3 highest scores shot.

The Winners

Long Metric III:
1st: Clive Talbot 1551

Long Metric II:
1st: Isla Bezencon 1597
2nd: Martin Folkes 1521

Long Metric I:
1st: Oliver Johnson 1350

Long Metric:
1st: Gavin Sutherland 1454
2nd: Ben Fearnside 1452
3rd: Dave Gregory 1451

Full Results

Photos from the day can be viewed below.

A rather chilly morning on Sunday 18th October saw the final round of this years Sunburn League.

With scores very tight at the top of the leaderboards there was everything to play for and many trophies could and did end up changing hands. We would like to thank everyone for taking part in the Sunburn League this year and for making it such an enjoyable shoot every month. Thanks too to everyone that has helped set-up and take down all the bosses and to Frank our Records Officer for working out everyones new handicaps and processing the scores. Next year we will be running the Sunburn Leagye again and Paul Murray our new League Secretary will be taking over running it.

Full results of Round 7 and the Final Winners scores can be viewed below.

Round 7 - The Winners

Long Metric IV:
1st: Louis Moorhouse Booth 1553

Long Metric III:
1st: Christian Kelly 1572
2nd: Daniel Ellis 1495
3rd: Dan Talbot 1447

Long Metric II:
1st: Peter Dobson 1398

Long Metric:
1st: Dave Gregory 1431
2nd: Ben Fearnside 1365

Sunburn League 2015 - The Overall Winners

Most Improved Handicap:
1st: Ben Fearnside 13
2nd: Dan Talbot 12
3rd: Louis Moorhouse Booth 9

Long Metric IV Highest Score Shot:
1st: Louis Moorhouse Booth 1608

Long Metric III Highest Score Shot:
1st: Christian Kelly 1572
2nd: Clive Talbot 1568
3rd: Christian Kelly 1562

Long Metric II Highest Score Shot:
1st: Isla Bezencon 1597
2nd: Martin Folkes 1521
3rd: Lee Newman 1506

Long Metric I Highest Score Shot:
1st: Ben Fearnside 1429
2nd: Oliver Johnson 1422
3rd: Lee Newman 1414

Long Metric Highest Score Shot:
1st: Gavin Sutherland 1454
2nd: Dave Gregory 1453
3rd: Ben Fearnside 1452

Overall Long Metric IV Winners:
1st: Louis Moorhouse Booth 4704
2nd: Dan Talbot 1492

Overall Long Metric III Winners:
1st: Christian Kelly 4693
2nd: Clive Talbot 4616
3rd: Dan Talbot 4439

Overall Long Metric II Winners:
1st: Lee Newman 4463
2nd: Peter Dobson 4405
3rd: Isla Bezencon 3064

Overall Long Metric I Winners:
1st: Lee Newman 2792
2nd: Oliver Johnson 2772
3rd: Ben Fearnside 1429

Overall Long Metric Winners:
1st: Dave Gregory 4335
2nd: Ben Fearnside 4190
3rd: Terry Kennard 2792

The Sunburn League 2015 Grand Winners
1st: Louis Moorhouse Booth 4704
2nd: Christian Kelly 4693
3rd: Clive Talbot 4616

Photos from the day can be viewed below.

Sunday saw our first Frostbite league shoot of the year.  A big thank you to all 14 Archers who braved the windy and slightly muddy conditions.

We had everything from flapping targets to one boss blowing over, but hey that’s what the Frostbite league is all about – braving and adjusting to the elements!!!!
The great thing about this competition is we are in 2 leagues (A&B) A league is made up of the following teams.

League A:

1 Worthing A.C. A
2 Ditchling A.C. B
3 Pastures C of A (company of Archers)
4 The High Weald A.C. B
5 Assheton B`men B
6 Woking A.C. B

League B:

1 Leek A.C.
2 Andover Archers B
3 Atkins Archers B
4 Worthing A.C. B
5 Maidenhead Archers B
6 Sutton Coldfield A.C. B
On Sunday we shot against Ditchling and Sutton Coalfield – we await their scores.
 
Our next Frostbite League will take place on Sunday 13th Dec and we will be shooting against Pastures C of A & Maidenhead.  Everyone is welcome.

Photos from Round 1 can be seen below