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Bathurst Rifle Club Inc. June 6, 2009 The F A Wilde Trophy 300 yards

            With the Club Championship concluded, the final two runs through the six ranges commenced with the 300-yard range of the F A Wilde trophy. Although not producing typical frigid winter weather, there was still a chill in the air and the westerly breeze wafted over the nearby SSAA range with just a hint of turbulence.

           As the closest of the competition ranges, 300 yards does not guarantee a bag full of bulls eyes as most shooters found out their chagrin. Graeme Bright was again unable to tame the 300 yards and much to his disgust dropped a shot in each stage. He was however clearly the best shooter on the day with a pair of 49.05's and was only really tested by Dennis Lavelle in the early stages of the shoot.

           Lavelle has been steadily improving his scores over recent weeks and his consistency is also showing a huge leap forward. A 96.06 with a 49.04 first stage, sealed the B grade COW in a canter. Geoff Willis continued to come to grips with his new scope and barrel and lamented a lack of competition, he being the only F class contestant on the day. Stages of 58/60 and 57/60 were his best at 300 yards for many months and would have provided stiff competition for any rival.

           Jan Sibera was the next in line but although consistent was not a threat finishing with a moderate (by his standards) 93.04. Ron Gibson had a poor first stage 45.0 but tightened up with a 48.0 second stage still a long way off his recent form and devoid of a single centre bulls eye.

           John Coghill, 42.01, and Keith Redding, 35.0, had diabolical shoots their first stages littered with magpie threes and worse. Although improving markedly in their second attempts both were left searching for answers to their dilemmas. Coghill even queried his equipment, which now leaves a big doubt in his mind as to the state of his rifle barrel. 

           Mel Lucas from Coonabarabran dropped by on his way to a commpetition at Eugowra to tune up his gear and was satisfied with a steady 94.07, only really coming to grips with the range and weather conditions in his second stage 49.05.

           Last weeks Secretarys' trophy was won by Sibera, snatching the trophy from Bright, by ¼ of a handicap point.

           The F A Wilde trophy begins next Saturday at 300 yards.

Scores:
G Willis 115 (9) 100
D Lavelle 96.06 (5¾) 100
G Bright 98.10 (1) 99
J Sibera 93.04 (5) 98
R Gibson 93.0 (4¼) 97¼
J Coghill 90.06 (5½) 95½
K Redding 76.0 (19½) 95½
M Lucas 94.07

by John Coghill