A TEENAGER is gaining experience he hopes will prove valuable when he takes on the best of the rest in the country later this year.

Rhys Morrillo continued his preparations for the Archery GB Junior National Indoor Championships when he represented his county last weekend.

And the 13-year-old impressed too.

He took third place in his age-group category at the Northern Counties Archery Society match, held in Penrith, after six hours of competition.

The Hartford Church of England High School student, who tried the sport for the first time last year when he signed up for a beginners’ course with Winnington Park Bowmen, scored highest too of the Cheshire contingent in the junior boys’ recurve.

“Rhys has worked hard to improve and deserved his chance,” said Doug McNaboe, who took over as chairman at Winnington following last month’s annual meeting.

Rhys practices on average 10 hours each week, splitting his time between shooting with clubmates in Northwich and Goldcrest Archers in Tameside.

He entered a competition for the first time earlier this year, and was second in the under 14s boys’ recurve at the Cheshire Junior Indoor Championships in February.

A third-place finish in the same category during the Cheshire Junior County Open last month helped attract the attention of selectors for the county team.

Winnington Park Bowmen launched their latest course for beginners last Thursday.

Another follows in February.

For further details, visit wpbowmen.com