Aftre four days of intense competition the British Open from Hodnet SG in the West Midlands was won by George Digweed, who shot a 117ex120 to win by 3 targets. The win caps off a marvellous season for the 19 times world champion. George scored his 117, which left him 3 shots ahead of Paul Lovick, with third place going to Steve Brightwell after a shootout between 6 shooters who finished on 111.

  • Ladies high gun went to Cheryl Hall on 110, with Becky Bream in 2nd on 98 followed by Anna Jarnald on 94
  • Junior winner was Phil Gray on 110, with Chris Papworth on 105 and Jack Greenlead on 101
  • Veteran division went to David Whyte on 104, with 2nd place to John Bidwell on 103 and 3rd place was Brian Dunbavin on 101
  • Colt high gun was Taylor Hedgecock on 92, 2nd placeAmber Hill on 90 and 3rd was Jack Garside on 86

Full results are over at the CPSA site : here

We managed to grab a quick exclusive interview with George as he headed home from Hodnet – here’s what he had to say…

ShootClay : Firstly George, Congratulations on winning the British Open today at Hodnet – how do you feel?

George Digweed : Well, I feel that today has capped off what has been an amazing year for me, probably my best year ever. It’s an old cliche that if you win, you probably would say the layout was perfect, but if you took a straw poll of shooters there, they would say that was probably the best round of sporting clays they have shot for a long time. Hodnet has some fantastic topography, that they utilise incredibly well. The family at Hodnet have been setting targets for a long, long time. Hodnet is a very special place for me, it’s where I had my initial major breakthrough in 1988 where I won the World Sporting Championship and its a place that holds very fond memories for me, even though it was 23 years ago! I think they deliver the complete package and the CPSA should take note, because the attendance for the British Open was very much up on previous years, and that is testament to the job they do at Hodnet.

SC : What were the conditions like today George?

GD : Absolutely perfect for shooting, I couldn’t have asked for anything else. I drove up last night with Jamie Brightman and we stayed in Telford. We came through some pretty heavy rain and I was a little concerned and that but weather today cleared up and left us with good shooting conditions.

SC : How was turnout for the final day of the Open?

GD : Well, due to noise restrictions they cut down the final day to two squad rotations rather than four, but having said that by the time they had done two rotations and then the shoot-off and prize giving, I’m still driving home now (note – we spoke around 6pm).  Overall the Open had an excellent turnout and the West Midlands SG (Hodnet) should be very proud of what they have achieved.

SC : This has been an excellent end to the season for you, what’s next – a long break or straight into the game season?

GD : Well, not yet – I have the winner of a prize given out at the triple classic in San Antonio this year coming over. Mike Brunton gave a prize of coming over the UK for nearly a weeks coaching with me, and shooting some competitions as well. They are coming home in the middle of September so the Clay Shooting is not finished yet!  We’ll have a bit of fun with them and get out and thoroughly enjoy shooting with them. Then after that, I’ll be selective on events and I’ll drift seamlessly into the Game Season and have a three or four month break before getting back into next year.

SC : Once again George, congratulations on your win today and a terrific season – thanks for taking time to speak to ShootClay

GD : My pleasure – thanks.

 

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