On Saturday (July 11) after satisfying all the necessary COVID-19 requirements, the time had arrived to assemble on the 600-yard mound to attend to the draw for firing positions. 

The wind flags at the time were just hanging down the pole and with a cloud coverage providing an even light, competitors were looking forward to high scores and some high scores indeed were attained.

In the target rifle (iron sights) discipline the off-rifle trophy was won by the very consistent Peter Brown with a score of 49.5 followed by a possible 50 with 5 V-bulls. Dennis Hilton took out the handicap aggregate with his scores of 49.2 and 50.4, giving him a total 99.6, however, with his handicap of 3 points, giving him a grand aggregate of 102 to count out Chris McKenzie on 101.5.

This report would not be complete if the brilliant shooting of Nick Abrahall was not noted. Nick fired a wonderful score of 50 with 9 central bullseyes. His second shoot looked like going the same way until his seventh shot did not appear on the electronic monitor – he had inadvertently fired on  the next door’s target giving him a V-bull – this would have given him a perfect score of 100 with 17 centrals (we have all managed to do this at some time over the course of our shooting endeavours). Commiserations Nick.

The ‘F’ Class (scoped rifle) rifle trophy was once again taken out by Sue Bloomer with a pair of 59’s, giving her an aggregate of 118/120.  Her husband John won the handicap aggregate with an off-rifle score of 115.9, plus with his handicap of 5 points, gave him a grand aggregate of 120.

The ‘Hunter’ Class was a close-fought competition between Alan Edwards and Mark Millard, both firing an off-rifle aggregate of 96.  However, Alan scored two more central bulls and also won the handicap aggregate with his score of 96.  This, with his handicap of 6 points, gave him a grand aggregate of 102.

In the ’F’ Open (scoped rifle) Tony McKenna fired a 59.4 in his first shoot and followed up with a possible 60/60, giving him an off-rifle aggregate of 119.9/120.

Prospective member Scott Robinson enjoyed his first attempt at the ‘F’ Class discipline and is looking forward to further visits.

Next week we will be firing from the 700-yard mound starting at 12.30pm so come along and enjoy the normally benign weather conditions that prevail during the winter months.

Ian Griffiths