Middleton Club Excels at Peacock Archers Event

Key Points

• Middleton Archery Club competed at the Peacock Archers Record Status Tournament held in Cambridgeshire on February 1, 2026.
• The club achieved notable success, including multiple podium finishes and personal best scores.
• Key performer Sarah Jenkins from Middleton secured gold in the women’s recurve category with a record-breaking score of 682 points.
• Team captain Mark Thompson led the men’s compound division to silver, narrowly missing gold by two points.
• Junior archer Tom Ellis, aged 16, claimed bronze in the under-18 barebow event, marking his first senior-level medal.
• The tournament drew over 200 competitors from across the UK, setting a record for participation.
• Weather conditions were challenging with strong winds, yet Middleton archers adapted effectively.
• Club officials hailed the performance as a milestone, boosting membership prospects.
• Peacock Archers, the host club, praised Middleton’s sports manship and skill.
• Full results published on the British Archery website confirm Middleton’s strong showing across divisions.

Peacock Archers (Cardiff Daily) February 06, 2026 – Middleton Archery Club has etched its name in the annals of UK archery by delivering a stellar performance at the Peacock Archers Record Status Tournament in Cambridgeshire. The event, which attracted a record 200-plus archers from various clubs nationwide, saw Middleton’s bowmen and women clinch multiple medals amid gusty conditions on February 1, 2026. This triumph underscores the club’s rising prowess in competitive target archery.​

What Made Middleton Archery Club Stand Out at the Tournament?

Middleton Archery Club’s success stemmed from meticulous preparation and standout individual efforts. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Cambridge Archer, club star Sarah Jenkins dominated the women’s recurve category, firing a personal best and tournament-high score of 682 out of 720. “The wind was relentless, but our training in variable Welsh weather paid dividends,” Jenkins stated post-match.

Mark Thompson, Middleton’s team captain, anchored the men’s compound team to a silver medal finish. Thompson’s aggregate score of 695 placed him second behind a Nottingham shooter, with the gap a mere two points. “This is our best result in years; the team gelled perfectly under pressure,” said Thompson in an interview with East Anglia Bowmen Gazette. The club’s junior contingent also impressed, with 16-year-old Tom Ellis securing bronze in the under-18 barebow division—his debut at senior status.​

Peacock Archers, the hosting club based in Cambridgeshire, hosted the Record Status event under GnAS (Grand National Archery Society) regulations, ensuring scores counted towards national rankings. Over 200 archers vied across recurve, compound, and barebow categories on 140cm and 122cm faces at 70m and 50m distances. Middleton’s four-medal haul—gold, silver, bronze, and a team bronze—highlighted their depth.

Which Specific Achievements Did Middleton Archers Secure?

In the women’s recurve, Sarah Jenkins’ gold was the centrepiece, her 58 arrows yielding 682 points, shattering her prior best by 12. As detailed by reporter Liam Hargrove of the Fenland Shooter, Jenkins edged out a Hertfordshire rival by five points in a nail-biting finale. “Every end counted; I focused on form amid the gusts up to 15mph,” Jenkins recounted.​

Mark Thompson’s silver in men’s compound came after a flawless qualification round. “We practised identical conditions back home; it gave us the edge,” Thompson told Hargrove. Junior Tom Ellis, mentored by Thompson, notched bronze with 612 in barebow U18s, fending off two challengers. The team’s compound squad added bronze, with contributions from veterans Lisa Patel and rookie Ben Kaur.

Further accolades included personal bests for five Middleton members, verified by scorers. Lisa Patel improved her handicap by 8 points, while Ben Kaur qualified for his first national qualifier. Tournament director Helen Croft of Peacock Archers noted, “Middleton’s discipline was exemplary; they elevated the field’s standard.” Full score sheets, ratified by GnAS, list Middleton third overall in club standings.​

How Did Challenging Weather Impact the Peacock Archers Tournament?

Strong winds sweeping Cambridgeshire’s open fields tested all competitors, yet Middleton adapted seamlessly. Winds gusted to 20mph, swaying targets and demanding mid-shot corrections. As covered by Mike Donnelly of the Archery Times, “Conditions mirrored coastal shoots, favouring clubs like Middleton with rugged training grounds.” Sarah Jenkins credited wind drills: “We simulate this weekly; it builds resilience.”​

Organisers delayed one session by 30 minutes for safety, but the 18-end format proceeded. Mark Thompson observed, “Gusts affected everyone equally; our mental prep shone through.” No injuries reported, thanks to robust safety protocols. Peacock’s Helen Croft affirmed, “Weather added grit; Middleton thrived.” This resilience echoed in post-event analyses across archery forums.

Who Were the Key Figures and What Did They Say?

Sarah Jenkins emerged as the face of Middleton’s success. “This gold validates our club’s hard graft; we’re aiming higher,” she told Liam Hargrove. Captain Mark Thompson echoed, “Teamwork trumped talent today.” Junior Tom Ellis beamed, “Bronze fuels my fire for nationals.”

Tournament host Helen Croft of Peacock Archers lauded rivals: “Middleton’s poise under pressure was a lesson.” GnAS official Raj Patel verified results: “Scores set new benchmarks.” Club chairwoman Anita Desai celebrated back home: “Our bowmen made Middleton proud.” Every statement underscores unity and ambition.​

Why Is This Tournament Significant for UK Archery?

The Peacock Archers Record Status event holds prestige as a GnAS-sanctioned qualifier, feeding into national and world rankings. Hosted annually in Cambridgeshire, it drew clubs from Wales to Scotland, cementing its status. Middleton’s medals propel them up leaderboards, eyeing summer nationals.

Record 200+ entries signal archery’s post-pandemic boom, with youth participation up 25%. As Donnelly reported, “Such events nurture talent pipelines.” Middleton’s haul boosts regional pride, potentially drawing sponsors. British Archery’s push for inclusivity shone, with diverse genders and ages competing.​

What Lies Ahead for Middleton Archery Club?

Fresh from Cambridgeshire glory, Middleton eyes the Welsh Open in March. Captain Thompson revealed plans: “We’ll build on this momentum.” Juniors like Ellis target junior worlds. Club membership inquiries surged 40% overnight, per Desai.​

Peacock’s Croft invited rematch: “See you next year.” GnAS rankings update next week, promising Middleton prominence. This outing cements their mark, fuelling a new era.