2 Juniors from Oakfield Archers and 1 From Colchester Bowmen it was to be there first International Shoot at the 39th Malta International FITA Star. It was very early this year being held in  March. Just to keep a balance they had a couple of Adult Compound Archers from Oakfield as well.

Friday 28th was practice and registration day which runs from 1430 to 1700, and although it was warmer than back in the UK it was cool and very windy, but they all enjoyed the swimming pool back at their Hotels after the shooting.

Saturday 29th was much warmer and less windy and it was a pleasure to be shooting outdoors. Tony Ikel (Oakfield Archers) was the Director of shooting once again and the timing was by count down clock instead of Traffic Lights to which the juniors quickly adjusted. The shooting moved along quickly as there is only one detail but there were long breaks at the change of distance, while the scores were checked! Plenty of time to enjoy the free water and orange, which is always provided for the archers and officials. One of the juniors Edward Kearse got stung by a wasp but it did not stop him shooting. During the lunch break the Essex Archers were interviewed by Malta TV.  Shooting finished for the day at 1600 , so it was back to the Hotels and the Swimming pools before dinner.

Sunday 30th Started cool, but it soon started to warm up in spite of some clouds, and the archers got down to some real shooting. Louise came in for a lot of attention because they were intrigued that such a small 10 year old was shooting 60 metres, she is the youngest competitor ever at the Malta Star. Shooting finished at 1615 and the presentation was held on the field, everyone was away by 1730, back to their Hotels and those swimming pools again.

Scores and awards for the Essex Archers. Andrew and Edward are claiming their FITA Cadet 1000 and 1100 awards, Christine Higgins is claiming her 1200 FITA Star award

Recurve Cadet Girl -    Louise Devlin           639+693       Total 1332   Place First

Recurve Cadet Boys -  Andrew Devlin       1120 + 1163   Total 2283   Place Second.

                                        Edward Kearse      1058 + 1134    Total 2192  Place Third.

Ladies Compound        Christine Higgins   1137 + 1213      Total 2350  Place First

                                       Joan Ikel                  1088 + 1174     Total 2262  Place Second.

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