Jersey's top shooters had a strong start in the opening round of the 140th British Open in Surrey.

Despite not yet being at full strength, the Jersey Rifle Association team finished on 1157 points, two ahead of the Canadian team.

Jersey's captain Brue Horwood and Island Games gold medalist Mary Norman both scored strongly with 149 each.

The match was won by the British Commonwealth Rifle Club who managed to score 1184.

Jersey's team have not scored below 1189 in all competitions this year when they have been able to field a full strength team.

Horwood said the team were looking forward to bolstering their numbers.

"This is a great result," he said. "We are not yet at full strength and, with a number of our best shooters still to arrive on camp, we have succeeded in beating top competition from the overseas."

Jersey has a rich history of success in the sport and has produced the last two under-21 world champions as well as a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

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