England’s ABT (automatic ball trap) team delivered a superb performance at the Home International tournament, in Ireland, with Halifax’s Jim Farrell helping to secure an emphatic win for the defending champions.

England faced Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the National Shooting Ground, in Esker, Galway, with 200 targets over two days.

And despite grey and blustery conditions, the England team won nearly every category and delivered a massive win in the overall competition.

Farrell posted 89/100 on Friday and pushed on to a 93/100 for the second day. England's Matt Panter lead the way with 99/100 on day one backed up with another 99/100 to set the foundation for the convincing victory.

Jim Farrell overcame blustery conditions as England won the Home International.

placeholder image — Jim Farrell overcame blustery conditions as England won the Home International.

Farrell said: "The blustery conditions on day one were pretty tricky with big targets testing everyone.

“As a team we came together really well and everyone performed. It couldn't have been much better.”

All shooters are seeking perfect 25 out of 25 scores, known as a straight, and on day two, England notched up an outstanding 27 straights. Farrell said: “I don't think it's unheard of but it's unusual to hit those numbers.”

He added: “We knew to win in Ireland would require finding an extra gear. Somehow we found several!”

The tournament was followed by the British Open, which proved to be a tight affair with several shooters posting high scores.

Farrell was in the mix, having dropped only two targets in the first 75, but on the last stand the heavens darkened and shooting in a torrential downpour, he dropped four targets, pushing him down the order to finish with 94/100.

The winner held their nerve to score a superb 99/100 and Farrell reflected: “I can't blame the weather, it's tough at the top. Next time, I'll shoot better.”