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Bathurst Rifle Club Inc 29th November 2014 the Diggers and George James Cups 500yards

          Saturdays shoot began with a few spits of rain and increased to a steady downpour for most of the afternoon, drenching all who unwisely chose to brave the elements. The rain which came in from the southwest gradually moved across the range and then turned around and came back from the north east to complete the soaking. Vision of the target was almost blotted out at times and anyone thinking that the rain was going to be a short lived event was greatly disappointed. It was not until the last two stages were commenced that the rain stopped and the sun emerged. By that time however all the gear was wet and strange happenings occurred. 

          Geoff Willis needing to leave early completed his shoot before the rain really settled in but he was not immune from the early conditions, a 57.2 first stage followed by a 59.2 were indicative of a fairly large group and poor elevation. Other F class shooters however chose to abandon their shoot in favour of keeping themselves and their equipment dry. 

          The target rifle group was more adventurous and went ahead despite the conditions. Dennis Lavelle belied the wet to put in a fine 49.03 but others were not as proficient. Gordon Shepherd (47.02) and Graeme Bright (47.01) dropped points at regular intervals. Shepherd was forced to borrow a foresight as he inadvertently left his at home and then suffered primer blowouts and a stuck shell due to wet gear. John Coghill started well but lost sight of the target and collapsed dramatically for a 44.01. Shepherd had a farcical second stage as his front eagle eye lens kept fogging up and had to be cleaned and dried every third or fourth shot. Despite this Shepherd scrambled to a 48.04 and surprisingly snatched the Cock of the Walk from Bright who dropped his last shot when he had the COW in his sight. 

          Lavelle looked to have the B grade in his keeping but a late meltdown saw him drop six points in four shots as the rain continued from the opposite direction. In bright sunshine Coghill looked to be in charge as he raced to six on with 4 centre bulls eyes but he also failed to finish, dropping three points in his last four shots gifting the COW to Lavelle. 

          The second range of the Club Championship begins, and the Diggers and G James Cups conclude, next week at 600 yards. 

Scores:
D Lavelle TRB 93.03 (5 ¼) 98 ¼
G S Willis FSA 116.4 (3/4) 97 ¼
G Shepherd TRA 95.06 (1 ¾) 96 ¾
G Bright TRA 94.05 (1 ¾) 95 ¾
J Coghill TRB 91.05 (4 ¼) 95 ¼