The late May Bank Holiday saw Forest of Bere Bowmen hold their annual Invitation Only Team Tournament at their range in Horndean. This event is to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of their club in 1974. 
Andover Archers were invited to enter a team this year which was made up of Chris Newman, Abbie Loader, Carl Tarry, Nick Loader, Luke Gill and Don Wilson.
The format of the event is a Western Round with handicaps applied to equal out various bow styles. Compound archers have 109 points deducted from their total score whilst Barebow and Longbow archers have 281 and 385 points added respectively.
Andover Archers were therefore at a slight disadvantage as we fielded a team of six recurve 
archers who received no allowances to their total scores. Despite this, the team achieved a very respectable 3rd place and were rewarded with 6 Bronze Medals at the presentation.
Highlight of the day was the personal battle between Chris and Abbie which ended with victory for Chris with 796 points to Abbie’s 790 points (maximum possible is 864 points). Chris also bagged himself the Gold (Yes, Gold) Colour prize by shooting the magic circle not once, but twice! Abbie’s disappointment was much reduced as she achieved her first ever Senior 6 gold end.
A very enjoyable day which we hope to have the opportunity to repeat next year!
Full results are available here