Sights set on 15-medal target as Games shooting squad announced
Guernsey shooters will be out in force at this summer’s home Island Games.
The host island will be armed with a large squad of 26 shooters across the array of disciplines, and sport co-ordinator Chris Jackson has set his sights on a haul of 15 medals between them.
‘They have all got chances – and a home advantage, which does help,’ he said.
‘We do not have the travelling issues and everything. We can get out of bed and rock up to the range, and that’s a great quality of it being a home Games.’
The squad includes some very experienced shots, including pistol veteran Andy Torode, whose haul of 51 medals makes him the most decorated competitor in any sport.
Fellow pistol star Nikki Trebert and the evergreen Noel Duquemin, who made his Games debut in 1985, are also among those bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Conversely several competitors are making their debuts, including young air-rifle shooters Amy Woodland and Luke Malcic.
‘We have got an advantage being on the home range,’ Jackson said.
‘For the clay shooters and outdoor shooters, they are familiar with the conditions and what to expect. That should play into their hands.’
The air shooters must contend with an exciting new venue at Hougue du Pommier’s Aztech Centre, but Jackson added: ‘We will have some practice events there if we can, so it becomes familiar.
‘All the teams have got a lot of experience.
‘We have got Andy Torode, who is in his 10th Games, to those up-and-coming shooters who are in their first Games. But they have developed through a number of different events and gained experience in national competitions as well.’
The full programme consists of clay sporting and skeet, pistol, air guns and full-bore rifle shooting, covering various locations around the island.
Clay sporting: Ross Angus, Cliff Eborall, John Wild, James Ashplant, Alison Damarell, Janet Vining, Lucy Slimm.
Clay skeet: Matt Spruce, John Wild, Noel Duquemin, Tony Romeril, Darren Burtenshaw, Alex Williams.
Pistol: Paul Guillou, Tara Leighton-Dyson, Andy Torode, James Straughan, Lord Eric de Saumarez, Jack Hanca, Nikki Trebert.
Air rifle: Paul Guillou, Luke Malcic, Andrea Guillou, Amy Woodland.
Air pistol: Jack Hanca, Paul Guillou, Tara Leighton-Dyson, Nikki Trebert.
Fullbore: Nick Kerins, Ollie Hudson, Rob Waters, Jon Branch.
