when he was in charge at Molland, where teams of four full-time gamekeepers from local estates meet up to challenge each other in a range of activities. There were 18 teams this year and it was most memorable as we were treated to a glorious sunny day – cold beers rather than sloe gin for a change!!

Having fuelled up on bacon butties the teams set off to the first challenge; a 150/175 yard rifle range, where North Molton Estate excelled, this was swiftly followed by a 200 ‘bird’ flush in which Mornacott / Portledge showed their prowess and edged ahead.

A hog roast at half time provided the sustenance for the afternoon, when the teams had to take on the traditional ‘unknown challenge’.  This year the hosts had devised an egg throwing competition, whereby teams threw eggs to each other and the gaps between each peg gradually widened, so the victors where the last team standing.  The final test, a quiz, culminated in Mornacott / Portledge successfully lifting the trophy before everyone, including wives and girlfriends, headed off to Tarr Farm to celebrate.

It is a wonderfully friendly competition which successfully helps and encourages game keepers to work together and strengthens bonds amongst the Exmoor estates.

Many thanks goes to Paul Lugg (Head Game Keeper at Miltons) and his team, also to Dan Reynolds (Roxtons Fieldsports and Miltons Shoot Manager), Andy Philips (ABN Feeds) and Kenny Nutting (St David’s Game Vets) for organising the event and their hard work on the day.  We must also gratefully thank the kind sponsors, West Country Guns, Mole Valley Farmers, Miltons Shoot and Masons Kings Agricultural Machinery for their support.