Local shooters Gemma Kermode and Nathan Holden were on target at the North Wales Airgun Competition held in Wrexham on 1-3 April.

Gemma was in particularly impressive form in the 10m Air Rifle event, winning all of the Class A competitions by comfortable margins and qualifying for the final. Gemma also set a score that was just one point short of the total required for 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games consideration.

Gemma continued her excellent shooting in the final, opening up a lead from her very first shot and holding the top position throughout. Gemma's nearest rival did close the gap to just 0.2 points with two shots to go, but Gemma held her nerve to take the title.

Gemma commented: "Having made a number of finals this season it a great feeling to have finally come first and hopefully this is a sign of things to come."

Also shooting in Wales was Nathan Holden in the 10m Air Pistol discipline. Entered in Class A, a consistently high level of shooting saw Nathan finish his first event in 4th place and 5th place in the second event. In the final Nathan was running in 3rd place until his very last shot when he was just pipped to the position and finished 4th overall.

Nathan said "It's been a good few weeks of shooting for me. I shot well at the Scottish Open, retained my titles at the Isle of Man Easter Shooting Festival, secured a new personal best and nearly had a top three placing in Wales against some very experienced opposition. I am really pleased with my current progress.”

Nathan also expressed his thanks to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for their assistance with his travel arrangements.

Both athletes are continuing to train hard and are hoping to build on their early season form, ready for the Commonwealth Shooting Federation (European Division) Championships which are being held in Wales in September.

Photo - Gemma Kermode, receiving her 10m Air Rifle winner’s trophy.