A fine and bright Sunday morning at the Coniston Shooting Ground near Skipton was a perfect venue following recent storms, for an inter-Provincial clay pigeon shoot, hosted by the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society.
Teams from West Lancashire, West Yorkshire, North and East Yorkshire, Durham and Cumberland and Westmorland met in the clubhouse to receive their scorecards, purchase raffle tickets for later, and then depart around the six nominated traps for the 50-bird tournament.
West Lancashire’s Shoot Captain Mick Woods said that each trap was managed by a skilled referee who carefully ensured fairness and accuracy of the scoring. Mick also expressed his gratitude to the ladies and gentlemen who have given their support in great numbers, keeping a watchful eye on everyone and refereeing the traps so well.
Towards midday, the scorecards were submitted to the West Lancashire shoot admin team comprising Mike Casey, June Casey, and Chris Tittley. A very welcome hot lunch of pie and peas was enjoyed by all, as the scores were processed and a raffle undertaken.
The prize-giving followed, with the trophies being presented by Ian Heyes, Chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society and Mick Woods supported by William Watson of the Province of West Yorkshire.
The Watson Eden Trophy was won by West Lancashire with an impressive total of 161. The top four scores obtained were by Jason Rhodes with 46, Dave Smith with 41, Jason Coxhead with 38, and Mick Woods with 36. Second place was achieved by Durham with a score of 144. Third place went to West Yorkshire with a score of 125, and fourth place went to Cumberland & Westmorland with a score of 96.
Mike Casey and William Watson thanked everyone for their support, and the 2026 Inter Provincial Shoot is expected to be organised by the Province of Durham.
Report and pictures by John Topping.