Saturday was the final of the Castlemaine Rifle Club’s 300 metre Championship that has been contested for over the last 12 months.
It consists of four stages of 20 shots each all shot from the 300 metre mound.
This increasingly popular event was introduced to the club in 2000 by Tom Hollinger and Alby Jackson who both had shot in this event at Williamstown Rifle Range whilst members of the Melbourne Rifle Club.
Saturday’s conditions were quite still which led to some excellent scores being recorded.
At the first round of 10 shots in ‘Target Rifle’ Richard Ruddick scored 89.0 to lead Dan McColl with 88.0.
Sam Swagemakers shot brilliantly in ‘F Class’ scoring 100.6 for his first ever ‘possible’ followed closely by Greg Brown with 100.4.
Some good scores were recorded in ‘F Open’ with Tony Skinner scoring 100.6 followed by James Dolphin with 100.3.
Round two again saw some skilled marksmanship. Dan McColl scored 95.1 to lead Richard Ruddick with 95.1 also, but Dan won on countback.
Greg Brown in F Class had an excellent score of 100.5 followed by Rob Softley with 99.4.
In F Open Tony Skinner scored 99.7 followed by James Dolphin with 98.2.
The daily winners were, Target Rifle Richard Ruddick top scorer with 184.1 from Dan McColl with 183.1. Dan won the handicap from Chris Jolme.
Greg Brown was the winner in F Class with an exceptional 200.9 with Kerri Neven next with 198.5. The handicap winner was Kerri from Bradley Knox.
The winner in F Open was Tony Skinner with 199.13 from James Dolphin with 198.5. James won the handicap from Tom Christie.
Once the four rounds were added up, Club Champions in 300 metres were decided. The champion in Target Rifle was Richard Ruddick from Dan McColl and Chris Jolme. Dan won the handicap from Chris Jolme and Malcolm Lawrence.
Greg Brown won in F Class from Bradley Knox and Kerri Neven. The handicap was won by Bradley Knox from Kerri Neven and Rob Softley.Tony Skinner was the winner in F Open from Tom Christie and Shannon King. Tom Christie won the handicap from Shannon King and Tony Skinner.
A great year of competition, with the champions being worthy winners.
This week a practice will be held. The following week is the final of the Club Championship to be held over the long distances of 800 and 900 yards. There are some very close scores making for an interesting final.
For more on this sport of big bore rifle shooting call the Captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh.