Digweed bags 18th Euro title

The Northiam-based marksman claimed his latest victory in Rio Salso, near Pesaro, after hitting 198/200, including his last 150 straight.

With 29 nations taking part and a possibility of the discipline being included in future Olympic Games, the atmosphere was great from the start. Great Britain fielded a full team for the first time at a major compak event.

The scores on the first day reflected the temperature, which at times on the shooting ranges topped 39 degrees. After day one there were 40 scores of 49 or more out of 50.

Digweed could only manage 48/50 on day one and although he hit 50/50 on day two, his total of 98/100 at the halfway stage was only good enough for 18th place, one target behind leading British ladies’ shooter Cheryl Hall and two back of the joint leaders.

Day three is often referred to as ‘moving day’ and so it proved as Digweed landed another 50/50 to hit the front alongside Italian shooter Calo, who could only muster 48/50 having hit 100 straight beforehand. With several shooters on 147/150, it was all set up for an exciting finale on Sunday.

Digweed was out early on the final day and he started with 25/25, putting the pressure on Calo. The home hope faltered slightly by shooting 24/25, leaving the door ajar for Digweed. Another 25/25 would give Digweed the title and he did just that to finish one clear of the four men on 197.

In winning an unprecedented 18th European Championship (five Compak and 13 Sporting), Digweed also secured the European Cup final.