Matthew Vincent, a Helston school pupil, came a very creditable fourth place in the recent Area Tetrathlon competition on the Mendips in Somerset.

Representing the Western Hunt Pony Club, he was competing in the Junior Boys (14 and under) class.

The first phase is pistol shooting at 7 metres on turning targets. Matthew shot 840 which left him slightly behind some of his competitors who had better shoot scores so he needed a good swim, which he achieved, reaching 417m in three minutes.

The next day was hot and sunny again and the run was over rough ground with plenty of cow pats and quite a few climbs and descents.

Matthew had a good run coming in at 5.15 on the 1500m course.

The final phase saw riders competing across country with obstacles which include jumps, a slip rail which one has to dismount and lead the pony thorough in under a minute and a gate which has to be opened and closed while remaining mounted also under a minute.

Matthew and his homebred 14.2 mare achieved maximum points in this phase with a lovely clear round within the time limit.

As the second placed Cornish boy, Matthew (together with mum Gloria and his pony My Annie) will travel to the National Championships in Yorkshire in August.