Chris Underdown matching it with NZ's best archers

Taking aim: Dean Croskery was home from university, taking part in the Gizzy Vegas shoot in Gisborne at the weekend. Organisers pronounced the event a success, with competition intense. Picture by Liam Clayton

ARCHERY

HOMETOWN archer Chris Underdown matched it with some of the country’s best at the Gizzy Vegas shoot here at the weekend.

Underdown won the combined (compound/recurve bows) division and was fourth in the recurve in a huge couple of days for the Gisborne Archery Club member.

Archers who took part in the compound and recurve competition shot in every part of the two days — a test of physical and mental stamina.

Gisborne Archery Club president David Croskery said competition was intense and scoring was impressive.

“The ranking rounds on Day 1 brought out some good scores from the archers . . . it ended up a long day, with the shoot running from 9am to 5.15pm.

“On Day 2, the archers shot matchplay and this was extremely competitive, with archers shooting at a very high level to achieve good scores.”

With money up for grabs, the pressure lifted a notch on the second day as the top four for the “medal” matches were decided.

Elizabeth Ellery Siaosi won the recurve final, beating Kimdido Agape 112-98.

Roger Broyden beat Underdown 99-96 in the shoot-off for third.

Riku van Tonder won the compound title, defeating Marcus Barclay 120-118 in the final.

Rynard van Tonder beat Andrew Syme 118-117 for third.

Underdown won the combined division from Ocky Blignaut, with Ary van Onselen third and Chris Chew fourth.

Croskery was rapt with how the weekend went.

“A big thank-you to the Gisborne Archery club members who worked behind the scenes to make it happen and also to all the archers who shot.”