The Isle of Man has it’s first ever “Grand Master Bowman”. Sarah Rigby has given the sport of Archery on the island something to celebrate, pushing the standard of Manx Archery to an all time high by achieving this coveted classification - which is designed to officially recognise the top 1% of competitive target archers throughout the UK. Putting aside the disappointment of missing this classification by only a single point last season Sarah showed that all her hard work and determination this season has paid off. After a slow start due to a run of poor weather in the early season, Mother Nature has been on her side in recent weeks and she has set 4 of the 3 required standard scores at her last 3 events during August, and is in the form of her life – with a little over 2 weeks remaining before she leaves the island for Delhi to represent the Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Games these are exciting time for the sport. Sarah said: “I am delighted to have finally achieved this standard having been so close last season – I am so proud to be able to say that I have been able to help push the standard of Manx archery to this level. But I didn’t do it alone – without the help and support of my coaches Peter Mumford and Joy Gough I would never have reached this standard. I would also like to thank Britannia International for putting their faith in me, Isle of Man Sport Aid, and of course my wonderful employers Bridson & Horrox Limited who have made this season and all its successes possible for me. I am currently training incredibly hard, to the detriment of time with my family and friends and I am incredibly grateful to them all for their understanding during this busy time for me and I can’t wait to celebrate with them once I return from the Commonwealth Games” In concluding their final preparations for the Commonwealth Games Sarah, and Aalin George travelled to the Meridan Archery Club World Record Status Double FITA event along with George sisters Charlotte and Kirsten. Essentially bringing to a close their busiest UK season to date. Day 1: Charlotte George had another great shoot at this event, opting to compete in the Senior Ladies recurve competition, finished in a resounding 8th place with a score of 1185. This is the third “Master Bowman” score she has set in recent weeks, officially booking her place at next year’s prestigious UK Masters invitational event by achieving this classification. In the Junior Girls compound division, young star Aalin George stormed into first place from the start resulting in a convincing win ahead of fellow GB Junior International Jessicca James, Score: 1295. The youngest of the George Team, Kirsten also had a good day finishing 3rd posting a steady score of 1155. Sarah Rigby finished 4th in the Senior Ladies Compound event with her GMB score of 1342. Day 2: Poor weather gave the girls some difficult shooting conditions throughout Sunday. Sarah Rigby finished 4th overall with a second day GMB score of 1343 for the Ladies FITA round. Aalin George set an MB score of 1314 to take 1st place in the Junior Compound event. Kirsten finished 3rd in the same event with her second day score of 1165. - Ends -