News

Bathurst Rifle Club 19th December The W Northcott Memorial Trophy

          The run of windy days continued to harass shooters on Saturday, weather some say that has not been seen at the Bathurst range since the late 1970's. The southwest breeze again proved unconquerable with Gordon Shepherd shooting just the one standout stage to set up a one shot win over Graeme Bright and Steve Williams.

          Shepherd got down after the first 3 shooters failed to score a single centre bulls' eye and peeled off a 48.03 setting a challenge to all who followed. Bright jagged a consecutive magpie and inner four in his 47.04 whilst Williams 46.0 included a run of three straight inner fours, which straddled the target. Shepherd came back to the pack with a second stage 45.03 including a magpie three, but held off Williams, who could only better his first stage by a single centre bulls eye, and Bright who slumped to a 45.02, two shots worse than his first stage. 

          Adam Parkinson surprised with a very good 45.04 (spoiled by a rough outer 2) shaming many of the more experienced club members who contributed greatly to the 12 outers and 18 magpies, which appeared on the scorecards. Parkinsons' first stage, although followed by a wild 36.01, was the gem in his B grade win.  

          The F class shooters seem to be finding the conditions more difficult than their full bore counterparts and their handicaps are blowing out to mammoth proportions. Geoff Willis arrived late and managed to scrabble together a lowly 95, but that was 2 shots better than Club Champion, Jeff Eppleston, who is finding the going really tough over recent weeks. Andrew Trevillion ran into trouble with his wind adjustments and a top stage of 50 was little compensation for a miserable 38/60 first stage. Ben Winslett tried a .270-scoped hunting rifle and was certainly not embarrassed by the regulars, shooting a 79/120 in the treacherous conditions. 

          There was not much joy for the rest with Dennis Lavelle, 84.03, at least showing some improvement with a second stage 44.02, but John Coghill 82.01 and Jan Sibera 80.02 just muddled along, an all too familiar experience of late.    

          Shepherd won the W Northcott Memorial Trophy, 1¼ points, ahead of Bright. Next week is the N Rutherford Memorial Trophy over 800 yards. 

          The Club wishes its sponsors Bathurst RSL Club, Kenny Springs Solicitors and the staff at The Western Advocate all the best for Christmas and the compliments of the season.   

SCORES: 

G Shepherd 93.06 (4 ¼) 97 ¼

G Bright 92.06 (4) 96

D Lavelle 84.03 (9 ¼) 93 ¼

S Williams 92.01 (1 ¼) 93 ¼

G Willis 95 (17) 93 ¼

A Parkinson 81.05 (12) 93

J Sibera 80.02 (12 ½) 92 ½

J Coghill 82.01 (8 ½) 90 ½

A Trevillion 88 (18) 88 ¼

J Eppleston 93 (11 ¾) 87 ¼

B Winslett 79