Six hard-fought stages of the Archery GB National Series throughout the summer have boiled down to this: 32 archers going head to head in a bid to be named Britain’s best.
The action, at Wollaton Hall in the heart of Nottingham, was concentrated into one day this year. Compounders shot first, followed by the recurve finals. That line-up included Olympians Naomi Folkard, Patrick Huston and Amy Oliver.
The format this year was a head-to-head Olympic/Paralympic-style competition and each discipline kicks off with the quarter finals.
Lucy Mason – Another great performance at the National Series.
Lucy qualified in second place so as second seed, started against 7th seed Andrea Gales (world ranked 114) supported by her coach and fellow club member Steph Gill.
Lucy ran out a comfortable winner by 138 to 134.
In the semi-final Lucy triumphed 139-128 against Susan Corless who had knocked out the number 3 seed in the previous round!
This set up the Gold Medal Match against Sarah Prieels from Belgium, the World ranked number 17 seed who is both the current indoor and outdoor Senior European Champion.
Lucy, just 16 years old and herself current European Cadet Champion, took an early lead, which she increased to 4 points but then Sarah struck back to level the match 136 – 136 and a single arrow shoot off!
Lucy elected to shoot first and absolutely nailed an ‘X’, with Sarah only being able to muster a 9 and Lucy added another title to her fast expanding list of achievements.
Lucy Mason – Youngest ever archer to win the National Series and add that title to her European and British Titles!
This was another amazing tournament for Lucy as she became the youngest person to win a National Series title and receive a cheque for 2000$ plus a number of other excellent sponsorship prizes. These successes have only been achieved through dedicated and focused hard work, clear development objectives and an excellent partnership with her coaches and of course great support from her family, her sponsors and her club!
Later that evening Lucy took the time to visit the club’s evening practice session and receive a standing ovation from the members who were attending our first indoor practice session of this winter season!
However no real time to enjoy this famous victory as Lucy flies to Dublin today to represent GB in the World Field Championships, where 26 countries and 300 competitors will battle it out!
Good luck Lucy from all at Deer Park Archers.
