Interview Sharon Jones of Briar Rose Field Archers

Firstly, congratulations on retaining your individual AFB trophy and the Nearest and Dearest team trophy. How confident did you feel going in? I didn’t feel confident at all. I hadn’t shot very well at the last couple of open shoots and it’s always possible others will have a good day, so nothing can be taken for granted.

How do you prepare for a Championships? I gradually shoot more on the run up as Championships to build stamina, as I shoot far more arrows than I would at an open. By the week or two before I’ll be shooting about 100 arrows on our home range, from 5 to 60 yards, two to three times a week as well as Saturdays and Sundays shooting at a club wood.

Does it make any difference when you are defending a title? Defending a title does put more pressure on you. The first time I did it I was trembling during the initial half dozen targets, but I’ve become more used to it. Now, I do find myself wondering how others are finding the course. Did you know the overnight position? No, I didn’t but I was reasonably comfortable that I would be in the lead on Saturday given how I had shot.

Were there any particular shots that stood out for you? Although I preferred Saturday’s course of the two, the most memorable shot was a Hippopotamus on Sunday’s course because it had a ledge into a dip with no easy way to judge the distance of it.

As I don’t gap shoot, I find that sort of shot more engaging. If I was to pick one on Saturday’s course, it was the lynx under the fallen tree; I didn’t shoot it well (there weren’t many I did!) but it was very deceptive.

Talk me through your equipment. My bow is a custom-made Blackbrook Sigma C 66” American Flatbow which is a prototype of the Neo. I draw 37lb at 25.5 inches.

My arrows (made by my husband, Rob) are 38lb spine wooden five sixteenths Port Orford cedar with 70 grain field points, 4 inch fletch and weight-matched to within three grains.

What makes the Champs special for you? The 3Ds and Nationals are the two events where you can shoot against others that you may not normally encounter during the usual area of travel, it’s a good opportunity to meet old friends and get to make new ones.

For the Nationals in particular, the Trophy I am delighted to retain is Nearest & Dearest, which is awarded for the highest wooden arrow couples’ combined score.

You are also a club organiser – does this change your approach to shooting? Yes, I want to do well for the reputation of the club. Some members joke about me being an advocate as I am recognisable but as all five members of Briar Rose who attended went home with a medal or trophy, this really is rapidly changing.

I’m really proud of what our club has achieved, and I’d like to support more archers so I’m on the waiting list to qualify as an NFAS coach, too.