News

Bathurst Rifle Club Inc. 22nd April 2017, L Williams Cup, 300yards

            Saturday saw some of the most accurate shooting seen on the Bathurst Rifle Range for many years. Jeff Eppleston and Steve Williams went clear on the day both achieving high centre counts. Eppleston shot a 120/120 with an amazing 17/20 super centres which included a second stage “perfect” possible 60.10. Williams also stood strong in target rifle with 100/100 with 11/20 centre bull’s eyes. 

            To be fair the weather was very mild with just a whisper of breeze and a hint of mirage. The measure of the conditions was that 75% of competitors shot better than their handicaps. Interestingly Eppleston and Geoff Willis shot side by side, Bisley style (alternative shots on the same target with a 45 second shot limit) in preparation for their attendance at the F-Class World Long Range Championships in Canada in July. Willis also excelled with 117.12 including a first stage 60.7. 

            Another highlight was the first possible, a 50.05, achieved by Darren Crimston who has had limited appearances since he commenced competitive target shooting in 2013. Crimston scored 96.08 in a fine display. F-class Championship favourite Grahame Willis also impressed with 119.10 which included a 60.4 second stage possible.

            Other good performances were put up by Nock Cock 98.12 and Gordon Shepherd 98.07, whilst Dennis Lavelle after dashing home mid shoot for some front sight modifications, shot a second stage 49.06 to go with his first stage 47.03, declaring that he will stick to his 5.56 cal rifle for the rest of the Championship.

            Graeme Bright’s 96.06 was steady without looking threatening and Ron Gibson after a long absence with overseas trips and house renovations settled back in reasonably well, except for tiring a little at the end of each stage. Colin Howell after an average first stage put together an improved second stage marred only by a run of three bull’s eyes mid-stage. 

            The final 500 yard Championship range and the second round of the L Williams Cup will be held on the 29th April and again attendances will be affected by State and Australia team practices scheduled over the next few weeks.

Scores: 

J Eppleston FSA 120.17 (2 ¼) 100

S Williams TRA 100.11 (1/4) 100

G P Willis FSA 119.10 (3) 100

C Howell FSB 112.6 (12) 100

G Shepherd TRA 98.07 (3) 100

G S Willis FSA 117.12 (4 ¼) 100

D Crimstom TRB 96.08 (5 ½) 100

R Gibson TRB 92.05 (10 ¾) 100

D Lavelle TRB 96.09 (4) 100

N Cock TRA 98.12 (1 ½) 99 ½

G Bright TRA 96.06 (3 ¼) 99 ¼

J Coghill TRB 78.02 (12) 90

By John Coghill