The day started slightly later, as our last ‘rest day’ before the back to back shooting continues for the next week. Some were consumed with morning ‘ammo’ pushing, for others some light shopping, whilst a number took the opportunity to catch up on sleep.
Most of us then congregated late morning, to hear some of the tales of woe from the night before, load the buses with “Braai” food and refreshments, to set off for a day at Peter & Lexi Bramley’s Holmesdale farm, with David Dodds and other members of the South African rifle team, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein. The remainder used the opportunity to relax by the pool, do further preparation for the days ahead etc.
For those that are not familiar with this annual “Bramley Braai” event, it is always a huge pleasure to spend a day at the farm, with great company from many of the SA team, fantastic food and drink, the most fiercely contested archery competition, all within the most beautiful rural setting.
One sighting arrow and four to count, enabled some to demonstrate great skills at another sporting event, to attempt to win the “Emma Cannings Trophy” (ECT), following an amusing event back in 2012. Whilst Emma was trying out some archery, her arrow travelled well beyond the hay bales to pierce the farm’s main water supply and inspired the inauguration of the competition.
All of the touring teams were represented for the competition, with about 40 of us competing. Our very own Andy Daw then found himself in a three-way tie for the trophy. Tensions rising, he held his calm and delivered our first silverware for the team in SA, and the opportunity to have the initials ECT after his name, in true shooting form.
After a brief tour of the incredible home built shooting ranges (up to 1000m) at the farm, a chance to see some of the cattle and further views of the landscape, we headed back to the hotel to join the rest of the team and ready ourselves for the grand aggregate, which starts tomorrow.