Matthew Gleaves wins Falcon Shield at Benchrest UK Tour opener

Tour kicks off at Glevum

The 2026 Benchrest UK Tour has opened with a new format, new team competition and world qualification places on the line. The first round, the inaugural Falcon Optical Systems shield at Glevum Target and Sports Club in Gloucestershire from 10-12 April, gave competitors an early taste of what the season demands.

Thirty-nine shooters took part across a weekend of cool temperatures, rain and persistent wind – conditions the organising committee described as “a wild one at times”. 

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Gleaves takes home the Falcon shield

Matthew Gleaves BEM took the overall aggregate and the Falcon Shield itself, winning the Heavy Air Rifle on Sunday and finishing second in the Light Air Rifle on Saturday behind Josh Fowler, who led that class. Tom Jacobs was third in both air disciplines and second on the overall aggregate, with Steven Drew filling second place in the Heavy Air Rifle. Rimfire classes also ran alongside the air competition, as is standard at Benchrest UK events.

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New format for 2026

This year marks the first time the National Championship title has been decided across a full season rather than at a single event. Points accumulated over all six rounds will determine the champion in Air, Rimfire and Unlimited classes, with 20 points available for first place in Air Light Rifle or Air Heavy Rifle, descending by one point per place. Rimfire and Air Unlimited classes carry a maximum of 10 points for the winner.

Also new for 2026 is a team format. Competitors can enter in groups of three, with each member’s scores contributing to a combined total. The Apex Numpties – Mr Gleaves, Mr Fowler and Neil Caddick – won the team event at Glevum.

The season also carries greater weight than previous years. Benchrest UK is the only organisation in the UK through which shooters can qualify for the WRABF World Championship, to be held in South Africa in 2027, and all six rounds count towards qualification standing.

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Next stop: Cornwall

The tour continues at Duchy Shooting Association Range, Cornwall, from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May with the ETS Trophy.