1st LIPHOOK Scouts rivalled Team GB for their impressive medal tally at an archery competition.

The weather may have been damp but the competition was hot at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Scouts Archery Competition 2016, held in Lyons Copse at Shedfield.

Despite the number of competitors increasing and higher standards each year at the event, Liphook managed to win 15 medals – six gold, three silver and six bronze.

The team of 19 talented archers ranged in age from eight-year-old Cubs to adult leaders and helpers.

The first event Liphook took part in was the ‘Field’ event. The under-14s had to shoot from one peg and the over-14s had to shoot from another peg, further away from the target, at strategically positioned targets.

Uneven ground, trees, branches, ditches, tyres, logs and some small targets made the event challenging. A couple of medals were won, mainly to those who did well on the ‘dartboard’ target.

The next event was the ‘Target’ event. Liphook’s archers did very well with some scoring over 300 out of a maximum of 360, and the rewards were a mix of gold, silver and bronze medals.

The next competition was the ‘Clout’ competition.

This Agincourt-style event involved the under-14s shooting at a small flag 60 yards from the shooting line, while the over-14s were shooting at a flag the same size and 100 yards away. Liphook again produced good scores and managed to win a couple of medals.

Cub leader and archery co-ordinator Jez Turner said: “In all, a great weekend, great company and a lot of laughs – well done to all involved.”

The next big event for the Liphook Scout Group Archery Club is the Scouts National Archery Competition Nationals in May 2017.