AFTER three fantastic days of competition, Mid Devon Pony Club Girls, Laura and Sarah Gomersall, Georgina Geikie and Jess Trerise finished just 26 points behind the North Down Pony Club from Northern Ireland who took the championships.

Overall winners of the competition were the invitation team from Southern Ireland, the Meeth PC.

The competiton at Moreton Morrell started on Friday with the shooting phase. The Mid Devon?s four good scores saw the team in sixth place out of 23 teams. There were also good shoots from Heather Fell of the Spooners PC and Tamsynn Barrington from the Tetcott. who were competing as individuals.

The action then moved to Warwick University for the swimming phase. The girls rose to the occasion with PB swims from Sarah, Laura and Jess to maintain their position, with Heather Fell putting in a great swim, the best of the senior girls.

As expected, Moreton Morrell had provided a good challenging cross country course for Saturday?s riding phase. The boys were first out on the course and it was encouraging to see all the Lamerton boys home safely.

Laura and Sarah were pathfinders for the girls and both rode clear rounds for maximum points while Jess and Georgina on the two less experienced horses put in two great rides to hold the team?s position despite Jess having an unexpected ducking in the water jump!

Tamsynn also rode clear, while Heather had one unlucky stop at the water.

Although Sunday?s running track looked daunting, the girls knew they had to run at their peak form to close the gap on the North Down. All four ran brilliantly, being among the few to finish in under six minutes to bring the team up to second place, just 26 points behind the winners.

Individually, Laura came sixth equal and Sarah eighth, both gaining silver awards. Heather was just beaten into second place with a bronze award and Tamsynn finished ninth, gaining silver - great results for the West Country.

The Mid Devon Girls expressed thanks to all who generously supported their trip to the championships.

Pictured left to right, Mid Devon PC?s Jess, Sarah, Laura and Georgina.