Alan gives it his best shot

Cefn Mawr Quarry Operative Alan Evans helped Wales to victory in his first shot at the World Clay Pigeon Shooting Championships. 

Alan, from Hawarden, was part of the Welsh veterans’ team that won gold in the International Clay Target Shooting Federation’s World down the line competition in Northumberland. 

The three-man team were crowned champions with France gaining silver and England bronze. As an individual shooter, Alan came 34th out of 477 entries, placing him in the top eight per cent in the world. At the same event, the trio also came third in the European competition, and second in the International Clay Target Shooting Council British Open. 

Veterans must be 55 or over at the start of the year. Alan and his teammates were selected after scoring the most points in the qualifying rounds in the spring. Alan received £500 in sponsorship from Heidelberg Materials towards equipment, hotel and travel costs that he would usually fund himself. He has worked at Cefn Mawr for three years. 

“I’ve been clay shooting for a number of years and have represented Wales on numerous occasions,” said Alan. “I am thrilled to have achieved gold in my first world championships and would like to thank everyone who made it possible.”

Cefn Mawr Quarry Manager Jason Parry added: “Alan puts a great amount of time and effort into the sport he loves and is extremely enthusiastic about representing his country.”