DVA
May 29 - 30
Because of the limited number of grounds we have here in Victoria, it was the DVA team’s job to reinvent the grounds and come up with new shots and reuse space to keep the courses both interesting and challenging.
The team took the challenge on in their usual style. The grounds were reviewed several times and preliminary shooting lanes drawn; target suggestions made and then people allocated tasks.
The weekend started with the arrival of our guest from Twin Cities arriving on Friday night; camping out in the club rooms after an evening of conversation and a nice meal it was back to the club rooms for some fine tuning / resting for others.
Saturday started with people arriving and registering; with all the optimism of archers on day one; and before long it was following the winding path out to target one course one.
It wasn’t long before the field was a discussion of the shots placed and those that seemed to just have passed on by; some scores being re-checked as they moved on down through the targets.
For me, I had promised some newcomers to the game that I would take them out and the excitement was there right from the word go (these were new cubs). My intention was to shoot along with them but due to other matters this was not to be. None the less, these three young ones, Shian, Erika and Koji certainly provided a good reason for dedicating some time with the young ones coming into the game. Shian was determined to beat mum’s score and this was never far from her mind, especially when I found one of mum’s arrows behind the alligator target. The surprise was all over her face as her mind immediately took ten off mum’s score. Erika was shooting to enjoy the game and learn as much as she could, and for her first shoot on field of any kind did very well. Koji was in tune quickly and shot well for his also first field shoot.
The long bowers were making their way through the course with rapid pace, and as we came off our first ten targets they were already through the best part of 20 targets; Ian leading the pace with some well placed shots.
Day one saw the scores being done and the courses being reset. This time the Twin Cities team lent a hand and the new courses were set out with the teams coming in early and resting up for day two.
Day two was underway and with all archers now familiar with the layouts, they were out and on their way.
Once again the field course came alive with the sound of arrow hitting their marks and some just taking a look at the scenery.
Before we knew it was time for presentations. Well here too the young ones wanted to have an active role and so I encouraged it not quite knowing how I would handle any fallout if there was to be any.
Shian read out the winners in a professional manner while, as the winners came up, Erika handed me the trophies. This all went well, and soon it was discussions and invites for the next 3D AAA event at Twin Cities in July 2010.
Thanks to Tony Stoy for the photos below.