From Tony de Launay's NRA Diary this afternoon:
"30 year old Ed Compton of the Sussex Rifle Association has won the Queen's Prize on an afternoon of tempestuous head on winds that wrought havoc with the field on the Stickledown Hill. With the wind at the start of the shoot veering in from one and two oclock and then switching either side of the flags for most of the afternoon, many competitors were to visit far-flung parts of the target. David Luckman led after 900 yards with Compton and Rupert Riley sitting on his shoulder. Luckman and Riley had carried through 150s from Stage II and Compton 149. Compton was squadded 2 & 2 in the centre of the range, Luckman on range 1 moving up the hill to 3, and Riley on 4 moving all the way down to range 0 at 1000 yards.
Luckman fell away at 1000, but both Compton and Riley were level pegging at 3 off for most of the 1000 yard shoot. In the end they were level on 297 points but Compton had 35 centrals to Riley's 30. In third place was Parag Patel two point behind but with 41 centrals and in fourth Jim Corbett of Australia. Yesterday afternoon Compton had been finishing fitting a kitchen for a customer in Woking. Today the pipes were playing for him.
Compton had only shot in the St Georges and the Queen's Prize this meeting. Today he borrowed Glyn Barnett's shooting jacket in which Barnett had twice won the Prize. The jacket is now GM3.
HM The Queen's Prize (900 & 1000yds): 1. E Compton (Sussex) 297.35; 2. R Riley (ATSC) 297.30; 3. P Patel (Old Epsomians) 295.41; 4. J Corbett (AUS) 295.39. "
The two Canadians in the Final, Scott Murray and Jim Paton, scored 288.26 and 283.34, finishing 52nd and 80th respectively.
Earlier, the day started with the final of the St. George's. Serge Bissonnette scored 74 to finish 25th and win a St. George's cross. the winner was Parag Patel.
Then Jim Paton fired his tie shoot for the Conan Doyle, finishing 3rd to Tony Jones of Somerset CRA.
The morning finished with the Mackinnon long range team match. Tony's description above of the winds in the afternoon could equally well be applied to the morning. The spread was about 4 left to 5 right, with frequent changes of several minutes between shots. This coach's nerves were totally shattered by the end of it. With the kind permission of Major Jack Kelly, four members of the Canadian Cadet Team fired for Canada this morning. To their very great credit, and that of their coach, Peter Westlake, they were in the top five scorers on the Canadian Team.
1. England 1156.126
2. Ireland 1141.116
3. Jersey 1132.100
54. Scotland 1131.99
5. Guernsey 1117.80
6. Canada 1092.80
7. Kenya 1050.63
8. Wales 1015.90
Canadian Team scores:
B Huget 48.4v 47.5v 95.9v (C)
S Spinney 50.5v 45.2v 95.7v
A Voorthuyzen 49.4v 46.3v 95.7v (C)
SR Montreuil 48.5v 46.3v 94.8v (C)
A Hines 49.4v 45.1v 94.5v (C)
RA Mullin 47.4v 44.5v 91.9v
DS Murray 48.2v 43.2v 91.4v
M Landreville 45.4v 45.4v 90.8v
A Marion 46.3v 44.4v 90.7v
JAM Paton 45.3v 45.4v 90.7v
SJ Bissonnette 42.4v 42.2v 84.6v
D Stanoev 43.3v 40.0v 83.3v
The Prize Giving is about to start, to be followed by the rituals of "Chairing the Winner around Camp" and the "Firing of the Cannon".
Later - 11:15 pm. Peace is descending. The cannon has been duly and safely fired, in the presence of a large crowd, under the guidance of Fred James from the NRA. Queen's Prize winner, Ed Compton was hoisted in the chair up to the moosehead, paid his respects and took the traditional stetson and cigarette in fine style. Those honoured to fire the shots were: Ed Compton, Serge Bissonnette [winner of the Police Rifle], Breaden Huget [winner of the Young Rifleman's Aggregate] and Alix Voorthuyzen (winner of the special award in the Athelings Centenary Aggregate for the top overseas Cadet].
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday 22 July - revised
The second Stage of the St. George's was fired yesterday evening. Scoring was extremely high, with just one of the 149.17s qualifying for tomorrow's Stage III. James Corbett of Australia won the Stage with a perfect 150.30. Of the Canadians, Serge Bissonnette was the only one to advance, scoring 150.18.
This morning, the important international team matches were the Kolapore and the Under 25. The Kolapore is for teams of eight shooters is the most important team match of the meeting, not least because it is the only one that Great Britain competes as a team, rather than the four Home Countries.
After the 300 yard range, our hopes were bolstered by Canada being one point ahead of GB, one point behind Jersey. At 500 and 600 yards, the GB Team showed its skills, which we fell back a bit. In the end we finished in a creditable third place.
1. GB 1188.176
2. Jersey 1181. 146
3. Canada 1174.124
4. Kenya 1153.116
5. Guernsey 1152. 122
6. Germany 1137.96
Canadian scores: Bissonnette 148.13, Mullin 145.14, Stanoev 144.13, Paton 147.16, Murray 149.17, Landreville 145.17, Spinney 148.18, Marion 148.16.
In the Under 25 Match, Canada, represented by the Canadian Cadets finished second to Great Britain U25, 841.79 to 883.102.
This afternoon, the Queen's Second Stage is being fired. We have four in that: Marion, Mullin, Murray and Paton. Jim Paton is our only qualifier for the Donaldson Memorial Final to be fired this evening.
Innumerable aggregates have now been completed. Lists may be found on the NRA web site.
The Mackinnon Long Range Match is tomorrow morning. For once it's been sunny all day so far.
Friday evening. Back home after a very enjoyable evening at the Central Bankers BBQ.
Scott Murray, 149.17, and Jim Paton, 148.21, have qualified for the Queen's Final tomorrow afternoon. The cut-off was 147.20, with 100th place being taken after a tie-shoot by our old friend Steve Thomas.
So in the mornig, we have the St. George's Final (Serge), tie shoot for the Conan Doyle (Jim), the Mackinnon, and then the Queen's in the afternoon. It rained very heavily for a while this evening, but tomorrow is said "not to be too bad."
This morning, the important international team matches were the Kolapore and the Under 25. The Kolapore is for teams of eight shooters is the most important team match of the meeting, not least because it is the only one that Great Britain competes as a team, rather than the four Home Countries.
After the 300 yard range, our hopes were bolstered by Canada being one point ahead of GB, one point behind Jersey. At 500 and 600 yards, the GB Team showed its skills, which we fell back a bit. In the end we finished in a creditable third place.
1. GB 1188.176
2. Jersey 1181. 146
3. Canada 1174.124
4. Kenya 1153.116
5. Guernsey 1152. 122
6. Germany 1137.96
Canadian scores: Bissonnette 148.13, Mullin 145.14, Stanoev 144.13, Paton 147.16, Murray 149.17, Landreville 145.17, Spinney 148.18, Marion 148.16.
In the Under 25 Match, Canada, represented by the Canadian Cadets finished second to Great Britain U25, 841.79 to 883.102.
This afternoon, the Queen's Second Stage is being fired. We have four in that: Marion, Mullin, Murray and Paton. Jim Paton is our only qualifier for the Donaldson Memorial Final to be fired this evening.
Innumerable aggregates have now been completed. Lists may be found on the NRA web site.
The Mackinnon Long Range Match is tomorrow morning. For once it's been sunny all day so far.
Friday evening. Back home after a very enjoyable evening at the Central Bankers BBQ.
Scott Murray, 149.17, and Jim Paton, 148.21, have qualified for the Queen's Final tomorrow afternoon. The cut-off was 147.20, with 100th place being taken after a tie-shoot by our old friend Steve Thomas.
So in the mornig, we have the St. George's Final (Serge), tie shoot for the Conan Doyle (Jim), the Mackinnon, and then the Queen's in the afternoon. It rained very heavily for a while this evening, but tomorrow is said "not to be too bad."
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday evening, 21 July
We are back from the Overseas Team Match, and the last few shots of the St. George's Second Stage are echoing down the range. I won't be able to tell you about the latter until tomorrow.
In the Overseas, we knew with our small team that we were pressed in a match that requires 12 shooters. However, we gave a good account of ourselves and there were no real disasters. But, we finished 4th of the four teams. Jersey and Guernsey put on a terrific display, with Jersey winning by two points 1248 to 1246, with equal v-bulls. That's an average of 104 per shooter over 12 shooters, a truly impressive performance. We and Kenya were in a different battle in the same match, with Kenya in the end pipping us by two points, 1218 to 1216. our scores were: Mullin 102.8, Murray 104.11, Kolenko 95.9, Landreville 103.10, Bissonnette 102.8, Frost 100.12, Stanoev 100.10, Paton 105.12, Westlake 100.8, Spinney 102.9, Marion 104.14, McKellar 99.10.
The Grand Aggregate finished this morning with Prince of Wales. As I mentioned previously, Glyn Barnett held his lead of two points, dropping only three all week. This is a new record also by two points. Top Canadian was Jim Paton in 4oth place. I'll list other scores and placings later.
Individual Grand Aggregate Scores (Canadians)
Paton 689.090 [-16]
Marion 686.071
Bissonnette 684.077
Mullin 679.073
Murray 679.070
Spinney 677.068
Landreville 675.062
Kolenko 670.060
Frost 667.047
Stanoev 666.060
McKellar 659.056
Redstone 652.051
Chapman 644.046
Poulin 623.033
In the Prince of Wales, there is a ten-way tie for 1st place with 75.14. None of our team members, but I have to note that my brother, Peter, an overseas member of DCRA, is in the tie shoot! Pete finished one place behind Jim Paton in the Grand.
In the Overseas, we knew with our small team that we were pressed in a match that requires 12 shooters. However, we gave a good account of ourselves and there were no real disasters. But, we finished 4th of the four teams. Jersey and Guernsey put on a terrific display, with Jersey winning by two points 1248 to 1246, with equal v-bulls. That's an average of 104 per shooter over 12 shooters, a truly impressive performance. We and Kenya were in a different battle in the same match, with Kenya in the end pipping us by two points, 1218 to 1216. our scores were: Mullin 102.8, Murray 104.11, Kolenko 95.9, Landreville 103.10, Bissonnette 102.8, Frost 100.12, Stanoev 100.10, Paton 105.12, Westlake 100.8, Spinney 102.9, Marion 104.14, McKellar 99.10.
The Grand Aggregate finished this morning with Prince of Wales. As I mentioned previously, Glyn Barnett held his lead of two points, dropping only three all week. This is a new record also by two points. Top Canadian was Jim Paton in 4oth place. I'll list other scores and placings later.
Individual Grand Aggregate Scores (Canadians)
Paton 689.090 [-16]
Marion 686.071
Bissonnette 684.077
Mullin 679.073
Murray 679.070
Spinney 677.068
Landreville 675.062
Kolenko 670.060
Frost 667.047
Stanoev 666.060
McKellar 659.056
Redstone 652.051
Chapman 644.046
Poulin 623.033
In the Prince of Wales, there is a ten-way tie for 1st place with 75.14. None of our team members, but I have to note that my brother, Peter, an overseas member of DCRA, is in the tie shoot! Pete finished one place behind Jim Paton in the Grand.
Thursday morning, 21 July - revised
The full lists from yesterday are still not on the NRA web site. However, I have gleaned a little bit more information.
The cut-off for the Queen's was 103.12. Hence, our four (Marion, Paton, Murray and Mullin) as mentioned yesterday are in the Second Stage.
Jim Paton is a four way tie for the Conan Doyle with 50.10. Tie shoot is to be arranged.
In the Grand Aggregate, Glyn Barnett still leads by 2 points, three points off. Jim Paton is 42nd at -15. Other Canadians are Alain Marion 96th, Serge Bissonnette 112th and Roger Mullin 196th. The last competition in the Grand, the Prince of Wales, is being fired this morning.
This afternoon, we fire the first of our International Matches, the Overseas.
Other details will be present as they become available.
Today is overcast, but perhaps a bit brighter than of late. Some showers are forecast, but the trend in the weather seems to be a little better.
News at 11:30 am, taken from Tony de Launay's Diary on the NRA web site: "First, Glyn Barnett of Old Greshams Rifle Establishment has just won the Grand Aggregate after scoring 75.10 in the Prince of Wales. No one can catch him. This is his second Gold Cross and his score of 702.92 is a new record for the eleven match course of fire beating Parag Patel's old record of 700. Second, it appears that a block of Queen's I cards failed to get computed yesterday and there may be changes to the 300 to shoot the second stage and the cut off score."
Dan Stanoev has been 'bounced' from St. George's II. Unfortunately, a protest from another shooter about an incorrect score was upheld, so Dan now stands in 301st place!
The missing Queen's I scores apparently include those of most of the left-handers. Nothing at all from yesterday has yet appeared on the NRA web site.
The cut-off for the Queen's was 103.12. Hence, our four (Marion, Paton, Murray and Mullin) as mentioned yesterday are in the Second Stage.
Jim Paton is a four way tie for the Conan Doyle with 50.10. Tie shoot is to be arranged.
In the Grand Aggregate, Glyn Barnett still leads by 2 points, three points off. Jim Paton is 42nd at -15. Other Canadians are Alain Marion 96th, Serge Bissonnette 112th and Roger Mullin 196th. The last competition in the Grand, the Prince of Wales, is being fired this morning.
This afternoon, we fire the first of our International Matches, the Overseas.
Other details will be present as they become available.
Today is overcast, but perhaps a bit brighter than of late. Some showers are forecast, but the trend in the weather seems to be a little better.
News at 11:30 am, taken from Tony de Launay's Diary on the NRA web site: "First, Glyn Barnett of Old Greshams Rifle Establishment has just won the Grand Aggregate after scoring 75.10 in the Prince of Wales. No one can catch him. This is his second Gold Cross and his score of 702.92 is a new record for the eleven match course of fire beating Parag Patel's old record of 700. Second, it appears that a block of Queen's I cards failed to get computed yesterday and there may be changes to the 300 to shoot the second stage and the cut off score."
Dan Stanoev has been 'bounced' from St. George's II. Unfortunately, a protest from another shooter about an incorrect score was upheld, so Dan now stands in 301st place!
The missing Queen's I scores apparently include those of most of the left-handers. Nothing at all from yesterday has yet appeared on the NRA web site.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday 20 July
Queen's I is over, but the cut-off score for the top 300 has not yet been made public. The pundits are forecasting something in the mid-103 range. From our board, it seems as if Scott Murray 105.17, Jim Paton 105.16, Alain Marion 105.13 and Roger Mullin 104.13 are safely in. Then our scores drop to 102s, which are much less likely.
In the Conan Doyle at 900 yards, Jim Paton with 50.10 has at least a share of first place. Alain Marion and Scott Murray each had 50.7. Other results are not yet posted.
If possible, I'll add to this later, or first thing in the morning. The weather was a little better today, fairly dry in the morning, light rain in the early afternoon and then much heavier rain in time for the last details of the Queen's and Conan Doyle.
In the Conan Doyle at 900 yards, Jim Paton with 50.10 has at least a share of first place. Alain Marion and Scott Murray each had 50.7. Other results are not yet posted.
If possible, I'll add to this later, or first thing in the morning. The weather was a little better today, fairly dry in the morning, light rain in the early afternoon and then much heavier rain in time for the last details of the Queen's and Conan Doyle.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday morning 19 July - revised in late afternoon
Although the NRA web site is now working again, the scores from Monday have not yet appeared, and I have not yet summoned up the energy to go to the scoreboards. . I will summarise the results in "the fullness of time". From Tony de Launay's comments on the NRA site yesterday night, there was a fairly considerable shake-up in the Grand Aggregate order, due mostly, in all probability, to the 1000 yard Corporation. Glyn Barnett now has a two point lead having dropped three points overall. From the Canadian scores posted in the Pavilion, Serge Bissonnette and Jim Paton lead our little pack with 14 off, next is Roger Mullin with 17 away. The NRA has not yet (12:15 pm) posted the list of the grand to date, so I cannot tell you the positions occupied by Canadians.
Our top scorers were: Times - Marc Landreville 50.6, Roger Mullin 50.8; Wimbledon - Scott Murray 50.2; Corporation - Jim Paton 48.4. But, where they placed on the NRA lists, if at all, I don't yet know. Later - Jim's 48 on the Corp did not make the list; Scott was the "last X in" in the Wimbledon; Marc and Roger are both listed. There were several aggregates finished on Monday, but no Canadians were listed.
There was light rain, on and off, for much of Monday, and a torrential downpour with lots of thunder in late afternoon. The last couple of details in the Corporation and Wimbledon got a good soaking.
Today has dawned cloudy, with less wind. Showers are forecast. The St. George's First Stage is being fired this morning, and then most of our people have a welcome free afternoon.
12:15 pm - sunny, but with very dark clouds to the west.
There were frequent heavy showers this afternoon, but thankfully none of our members were involved in shooting. Those in the Inter Services and Inter Counties Teams must have had a fairly miserable time.
The morning was not too bad and most got finished in the St. George's before the heavier rain. We have eight people through to Stage II, which will be fired on Thursday evening: Alain Marin, Serge Bissonnette, Jim Paton, Steven Spinney, Marc Landreville, Scott Murray, Roger Mullin and Dan Stanoev. Danny is in 300th place, with his 73.9!
Glyn Barnett continues to lead the Grand by 2 points, having dropped only three overall. Our top shooters are: Serge Bissonnette -14, Jim Paton -15, Alain Marion -18, Roger Mullin -19 and Steven Spinney -20.
Lists of scores including the George's and Grand are now on the NRA web site.
Our top scorers were: Times - Marc Landreville 50.6, Roger Mullin 50.8; Wimbledon - Scott Murray 50.2; Corporation - Jim Paton 48.4. But, where they placed on the NRA lists, if at all, I don't yet know. Later - Jim's 48 on the Corp did not make the list; Scott was the "last X in" in the Wimbledon; Marc and Roger are both listed. There were several aggregates finished on Monday, but no Canadians were listed.
There was light rain, on and off, for much of Monday, and a torrential downpour with lots of thunder in late afternoon. The last couple of details in the Corporation and Wimbledon got a good soaking.
Today has dawned cloudy, with less wind. Showers are forecast. The St. George's First Stage is being fired this morning, and then most of our people have a welcome free afternoon.
12:15 pm - sunny, but with very dark clouds to the west.
There were frequent heavy showers this afternoon, but thankfully none of our members were involved in shooting. Those in the Inter Services and Inter Counties Teams must have had a fairly miserable time.
The morning was not too bad and most got finished in the St. George's before the heavier rain. We have eight people through to Stage II, which will be fired on Thursday evening: Alain Marin, Serge Bissonnette, Jim Paton, Steven Spinney, Marc Landreville, Scott Murray, Roger Mullin and Dan Stanoev. Danny is in 300th place, with his 73.9!
Glyn Barnett continues to lead the Grand by 2 points, having dropped only three overall. Our top shooters are: Serge Bissonnette -14, Jim Paton -15, Alain Marion -18, Roger Mullin -19 and Steven Spinney -20.
Lists of scores including the George's and Grand are now on the NRA web site.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday morning, 18 July - revised again
I was too weary last night after the Canadian Reception even to look at the NRA web site and write my comments. Just as well, since yesterday's results do not yet show there (9:15 am)! Perhaps there's a computer glitch, or perhaps the NRA Stats Crew were at the party and are still recovering.
The Reception was a good success with a large crowd attending. The cool weather meant, perhaps, that attendance was a little lower than in some years, but this is a quieter year at Bisley anyway. With the beer bars on the veranda, the die-hards settled outside and braved the weather. The less Spartan stayed indoors, but the scrum never became unbearable. The noise level was impressive, even for deaf old me, since all shooters shout at each other knowing that at least 75% are hard of hearing. The Team Members looked after the bars. Julia Evans had made an excellent selection of nibbles which she arranged to be carried around by some young people. The very regrettable (officially mandated) absence of the Canadian Cadet Team prevented our young shooters from doing this, a fact that was observed and commented on by several of our guests. Apparently rumours were also circulating that the Reception itself had been cancelled because of the Cadets - N OT true!
Now to yesterday's results. The whole world must be waiting on the NRA for the details, since the web site is busy and one can't yet connect! The Weather Office had called for intermittent showers, but they underestimated both the frequency and strength of these. Nearly everyone got soaked at some part of the day, either while shooting or coming or going. There was also a blustery wind with quite large changes. But, in spite of all this, scoring was reported to be high. When/if the NRA comes back to life, I'll add some more.
Today's weather looks much the same. It's overcast and windy as I look out to the west, but there are also some patches of blue sky. Included in the day''s schedule is the 1000 yard Corporation, that maker or breaker of Grand Aggregate dreams/fantasies. The Times (300y) and Wimbledon (600y) complete the programme.
10:00 AM. the NRA web site is still not accessible, but I've just taken a look at the score boards. Fine drizzle falling.
In the Alexandra, 600 yards, Jim Paton was 7th with 50.7 and Steven Spinney 49th with 50.5. Scoring is high!
Daily Mail, 500 yards, 32 Jim Paton 74.11, the last 'X' in the list; Marc Landreville apparently shooting as Class 'O' 43rd with 74.9.
Sunday Aggregate, 27 Jim Paton 171.23.
No Canadian that I could see in the lists for the Duke of Cambridge, or the Weekend and Clementi Smith Aggregates. Nor is there a Team Member in the top 50 of the Grand.
6:45 pm The NRA web site has risen from the dead. There is little to add to the above, except some news on the Grand. With 250 points possible, UK shooters David Luckman and Peter Bromley are each one off. Top Canadians are Jim P:aton and Serge Bissonnette at -7, with Alain Marion one point further behind.
It will be interesting to see how today's shooting may have affected things, but I'll report on that later. Now I'm off out to dinner at the North London RC.
The Reception was a good success with a large crowd attending. The cool weather meant, perhaps, that attendance was a little lower than in some years, but this is a quieter year at Bisley anyway. With the beer bars on the veranda, the die-hards settled outside and braved the weather. The less Spartan stayed indoors, but the scrum never became unbearable. The noise level was impressive, even for deaf old me, since all shooters shout at each other knowing that at least 75% are hard of hearing. The Team Members looked after the bars. Julia Evans had made an excellent selection of nibbles which she arranged to be carried around by some young people. The very regrettable (officially mandated) absence of the Canadian Cadet Team prevented our young shooters from doing this, a fact that was observed and commented on by several of our guests. Apparently rumours were also circulating that the Reception itself had been cancelled because of the Cadets - N OT true!
Now to yesterday's results. The whole world must be waiting on the NRA for the details, since the web site is busy and one can't yet connect! The Weather Office had called for intermittent showers, but they underestimated both the frequency and strength of these. Nearly everyone got soaked at some part of the day, either while shooting or coming or going. There was also a blustery wind with quite large changes. But, in spite of all this, scoring was reported to be high. When/if the NRA comes back to life, I'll add some more.
Today's weather looks much the same. It's overcast and windy as I look out to the west, but there are also some patches of blue sky. Included in the day''s schedule is the 1000 yard Corporation, that maker or breaker of Grand Aggregate dreams/fantasies. The Times (300y) and Wimbledon (600y) complete the programme.
10:00 AM. the NRA web site is still not accessible, but I've just taken a look at the score boards. Fine drizzle falling.
In the Alexandra, 600 yards, Jim Paton was 7th with 50.7 and Steven Spinney 49th with 50.5. Scoring is high!
Daily Mail, 500 yards, 32 Jim Paton 74.11, the last 'X' in the list; Marc Landreville apparently shooting as Class 'O' 43rd with 74.9.
Sunday Aggregate, 27 Jim Paton 171.23.
No Canadian that I could see in the lists for the Duke of Cambridge, or the Weekend and Clementi Smith Aggregates. Nor is there a Team Member in the top 50 of the Grand.
6:45 pm The NRA web site has risen from the dead. There is little to add to the above, except some news on the Grand. With 250 points possible, UK shooters David Luckman and Peter Bromley are each one off. Top Canadians are Jim P:aton and Serge Bissonnette at -7, with Alain Marion one point further behind.
It will be interesting to see how today's shooting may have affected things, but I'll report on that later. Now I'm off out to dinner at the North London RC.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday morning, 17 July
Yesterday was one of heavy thundery showers, occasional sunny breaks, with a variable wind. Today looks like being more of the same. It was sunny at 0845, but now at 0915, it is overcast, with dark clouds overhead.
Not everyone was rained upon while shooting on Saturday, but some who had been spared that misery were thoroughly soaked whilst going to or from the ranges. In spite of all this, scoring was very high. Scores on the Canadian board were generally also higher than on Friday, but, on going through the NRA lists, I have not found a single team member as a prize winner in the Daily Telegraph, the Lovell, or the Saturday and Tucker Aggregates. In the Telegraph, for example, some 75.5s were not listed in Class X.
The Grand Aggregate started yesterday with the Telegraph and continues today with the Daily Mail (500y), Alexandra (600y) and Duke of Cambridge (900y).
Last night there should have been a party at the British Commonwealth Club, but it seems that, by some mischance, the Club forgot to send out any invitations, so very few people showed up. Marion and I went to the Wandsworth RC dinner at the Surrey, having a good evening and getting home quite late. She says that the more rose wine she drinks, the less she limps on her bad leg. This experiment will probably continue.
Tonight is the Canadian Team Reception at which there will probably be a large crowd and on which I'll report, dead or alive, tomorrow.
Not everyone was rained upon while shooting on Saturday, but some who had been spared that misery were thoroughly soaked whilst going to or from the ranges. In spite of all this, scoring was very high. Scores on the Canadian board were generally also higher than on Friday, but, on going through the NRA lists, I have not found a single team member as a prize winner in the Daily Telegraph, the Lovell, or the Saturday and Tucker Aggregates. In the Telegraph, for example, some 75.5s were not listed in Class X.
The Grand Aggregate started yesterday with the Telegraph and continues today with the Daily Mail (500y), Alexandra (600y) and Duke of Cambridge (900y).
Last night there should have been a party at the British Commonwealth Club, but it seems that, by some mischance, the Club forgot to send out any invitations, so very few people showed up. Marion and I went to the Wandsworth RC dinner at the Surrey, having a good evening and getting home quite late. She says that the more rose wine she drinks, the less she limps on her bad leg. This experiment will probably continue.
Tonight is the Canadian Team Reception at which there will probably be a large crowd and on which I'll report, dead or alive, tomorrow.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday 16 July
It's grey and drizzly this morning. Three matches are to be fired: the Donegall (300yds), Lovell (1000 yards) and Daily Telegraph (500 yards). The latter is the first shoot in the Grand Aggregate.
For some reason, yesterday's results are not yet shown on the NRA web site. The link for results when they become available is http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/results/imperial.asp?year=2011&site=NRA
From the NRA scoreboards, where results have been posted, the only team member to be listed was Alain Marion who placed 15th in the Friday Aggregate with 147.15. Alain narrowly missed the list for the Hutton, since his 49.6 must have been slightly worse that other 49.6s. He was also two vee-bulls off the Century list at 98.12.
The weather forecast is not good for the next several days. Let's hope we are more fortunate than the pundits are predicting.
Nothing to do with the team, but there was a nice quote yesterday attributed to George Best, a very (in)famous football (a.k.a. soccer) player, who had a marked affinity with the bottle. When asked about his drinking habits and why he did not quite, Best answered: "I did give up drinking once. It was the worst half hour of my life".
4:30 pm. It's stopped raining for a bit, and there was a beam of sunshine a few minutes ago, but there's a very black cloud to the west and it continues to be windy. The last details of the Lovell and Telegraph may be tricky.
The NRA lists for yesterday are now on their web site, as is that for the Donegal fired this morning. In the latter, Jim Paton had the best of the many 50.7s and finished 36th. There were two 50.10s and innumerable other 50s from the 897 firers.
More later.
For some reason, yesterday's results are not yet shown on the NRA web site. The link for results when they become available is http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/results/imperial.asp?year=2011&site=NRA
From the NRA scoreboards, where results have been posted, the only team member to be listed was Alain Marion who placed 15th in the Friday Aggregate with 147.15. Alain narrowly missed the list for the Hutton, since his 49.6 must have been slightly worse that other 49.6s. He was also two vee-bulls off the Century list at 98.12.
The weather forecast is not good for the next several days. Let's hope we are more fortunate than the pundits are predicting.
Nothing to do with the team, but there was a nice quote yesterday attributed to George Best, a very (in)famous football (a.k.a. soccer) player, who had a marked affinity with the bottle. When asked about his drinking habits and why he did not quite, Best answered: "I did give up drinking once. It was the worst half hour of my life".
4:30 pm. It's stopped raining for a bit, and there was a beam of sunshine a few minutes ago, but there's a very black cloud to the west and it continues to be windy. The last details of the Lovell and Telegraph may be tricky.
The NRA lists for yesterday are now on their web site, as is that for the Donegal fired this morning. In the latter, Jim Paton had the best of the many 50.7s and finished 36th. There were two 50.10s and innumerable other 50s from the 897 firers.
More later.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday 15 July
I'm just back from the NRA Overseas Teams Reception, held this year at the Surrey RA. In spite of a heavy shower or two, which drove people indoors, making the crowded scrum even tighter, it was a convivial affair.
At this time of writing, approaching 11 pm, the day's results have not yet appeared on the NRA web site. I will give you some details in the morning. From scores on the Canadian board in the Pavilion, our top shooter for the day was Alain Marion with 98 in the Century (500 and 600 yards) and 49 in the Admiral Hutton (900 yards). The morning details were quite tricky, with winds carrying yesterday's legacy, but it became a bit calmer in the afternoon.
The forecast for the next few days is not very promising, but we have been lucky so far against hte odds and hope that this continues.
At this time of writing, approaching 11 pm, the day's results have not yet appeared on the NRA web site. I will give you some details in the morning. From scores on the Canadian board in the Pavilion, our top shooter for the day was Alain Marion with 98 in the Century (500 and 600 yards) and 49 in the Admiral Hutton (900 yards). The morning details were quite tricky, with winds carrying yesterday's legacy, but it became a bit calmer in the afternoon.
The forecast for the next few days is not very promising, but we have been lucky so far against hte odds and hope that this continues.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thursday 14 July (revised)
It's fairly late so this will only be a partial report tonight. I'll have the detailed Canadian scores tomorrow. The main reason my tardiness has been the Team BBQ this evening. This went well, with good steaks cooked to order, satisfying even the "blue rare" brigade! The day had been mild and mostly sunny, and tables for the BBQ were set on the veranda to take advantage of the balmy evening. We were luckier perhaps that those gathered at Sandwich for the Open Golf Championship where there was intermittent rain all day. The forecast for the weekend here is not so good.
This morning we had the team photographs taken, the official party having been completed with the arrival yesterday of Roger Mullin. And then in the afternoon was the annual match against the Barbarians RC fired at 900 and 1000 yards. This year also we nominated four of our shooters to shoot against Cambridge University. The latter was a revival of the traditional match which had lapsed for a few years. It had been hoped to fire this at the range in Cambridge, as I stated last week, but this had not been possible due to the bureaucratic complexities of booking the range.
The wind on Stickledown this afternoon could best be described as diabolical and as a very humbling experience for the coaches. Basically, it was a fishtail, varying quickly in both strength and direction. My last shooter, for example, needed between 8 left and 7 right, with frequent 4 to 5 minute changes between shots. It was almost like Trentham and I confess to being unequal to the task. Results:
1. Barbarians 696.37, regaining the trophy
2. Canada 681.20
and
1. CURA 361.26, retaining the Lions
2. Canada 345.11
After the match, there was a much needed interlude of relaxation at the roof top balcony at the London & Middlesex RA.
Canadian Scores (* nominated against CURA): Bissonnette (*) 46.4 44.1, 90.5; Landreville (*) 47.1 38.1, 85.2; Marion (*) 45.0 38.0, 83.0; Paton (*) 46.2 41.2, 87.4; Spinney 39.1 45.0, 84.1; Mullin 45.3 43.2, 88.5; McKellar 41.1 42.1, 83.2; Redstone 45.1 36.0, 81.1.
Individual competition starts today with the non-aggregate matches, the Century (500 and 600 yards) and the Admiral Hutton (900 yards).
This morning we had the team photographs taken, the official party having been completed with the arrival yesterday of Roger Mullin. And then in the afternoon was the annual match against the Barbarians RC fired at 900 and 1000 yards. This year also we nominated four of our shooters to shoot against Cambridge University. The latter was a revival of the traditional match which had lapsed for a few years. It had been hoped to fire this at the range in Cambridge, as I stated last week, but this had not been possible due to the bureaucratic complexities of booking the range.
The wind on Stickledown this afternoon could best be described as diabolical and as a very humbling experience for the coaches. Basically, it was a fishtail, varying quickly in both strength and direction. My last shooter, for example, needed between 8 left and 7 right, with frequent 4 to 5 minute changes between shots. It was almost like Trentham and I confess to being unequal to the task. Results:
1. Barbarians 696.37, regaining the trophy
2. Canada 681.20
and
1. CURA 361.26, retaining the Lions
2. Canada 345.11
After the match, there was a much needed interlude of relaxation at the roof top balcony at the London & Middlesex RA.
Canadian Scores (* nominated against CURA): Bissonnette (*) 46.4 44.1, 90.5; Landreville (*) 47.1 38.1, 85.2; Marion (*) 45.0 38.0, 83.0; Paton (*) 46.2 41.2, 87.4; Spinney 39.1 45.0, 84.1; Mullin 45.3 43.2, 88.5; McKellar 41.1 42.1, 83.2; Redstone 45.1 36.0, 81.1.
Individual competition starts today with the non-aggregate matches, the Century (500 and 600 yards) and the Admiral Hutton (900 yards).
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday 13 July
Just back from Stoney Castle Range and the RAF Match. It was an enjoyable and not entirely fruitless day, a little cool and breezy, but it stayed dry.
There were 11 teams of 8 shooters in the match, firing 15 shots at 500 in the morning and at 600 yards in the afternoon.
The good news for Canada is that we have regained the CanAir Trophy, after an interval of some years. This trophy was created in the 1970s for this annual competition between Canada and the RAF. Unfortunately, we did not win the match overall, that success being achieved by the very strong Jersey squad. Results:
1. Jersey 1182.149
2. Regular Army 1170.125
3. Kenya 1149.109
4. Canada 1145.125: Redstone 73.8 72.7, 145.15; McKellar 71.7 74.8, 145.15; Poulin 65.4 66.5, 131,9; Spinney 70.6 70.8, 140.14; Bissonnette 72.8 74.11, 146.19; Murray 75.5 74.10, 149.15; Landreville 73.11 72.8, 145.19; Paton 70.10 74.9, 144.19.
5. West Indies 1143.103
6. All ComersTeam 1141.106
7. RAF White 1140.128
8. Army Target Shooting Club 1134.92
9. RAF Blue 1125.98
10. UK Cadets "B" 1114.82
11. UK Cadets "A" 1100.82
This evening we'll go the the reception at the RAF Clubhouse.
Tomorrow we will fire the last of the series of friendly warm-up matches against the Barbarians and Cambridge University.
There were 11 teams of 8 shooters in the match, firing 15 shots at 500 in the morning and at 600 yards in the afternoon.
The good news for Canada is that we have regained the CanAir Trophy, after an interval of some years. This trophy was created in the 1970s for this annual competition between Canada and the RAF. Unfortunately, we did not win the match overall, that success being achieved by the very strong Jersey squad. Results:
1. Jersey 1182.149
2. Regular Army 1170.125
3. Kenya 1149.109
4. Canada 1145.125: Redstone 73.8 72.7, 145.15; McKellar 71.7 74.8, 145.15; Poulin 65.4 66.5, 131,9; Spinney 70.6 70.8, 140.14; Bissonnette 72.8 74.11, 146.19; Murray 75.5 74.10, 149.15; Landreville 73.11 72.8, 145.19; Paton 70.10 74.9, 144.19.
5. West Indies 1143.103
6. All ComersTeam 1141.106
7. RAF White 1140.128
8. Army Target Shooting Club 1134.92
9. RAF Blue 1125.98
10. UK Cadets "B" 1114.82
11. UK Cadets "A" 1100.82
This evening we'll go the the reception at the RAF Clubhouse.
Tomorrow we will fire the last of the series of friendly warm-up matches against the Barbarians and Cambridge University.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday 12 July
Later on Tuesday evening. The match had 8 full teams of 8 firers and a half team from the West Indies. Course of fire was 10 shots at 300, 500 and 600 yards. Normally, this would occupy a full three and half hours, but tonight, given the late start (5:45 pm), and the approaching shades of night, it had to be finished in somewhat less than three hours. Shooters and coaches therefore could not dawdle. The Canadian Team had its problems, especially on one of our two targets at 300yds. However, it was a valuable learning exercise for shooters and the two coaches.
1. BCRC Captain's Team 1189.165
2. GB Under 25 "A" 1184.124
3. BCRC Vice-captain's Team 1183.161
4. Jersey 1168.142
5. GB Under 25 "B" 1166.137
6. Kenya "A" 1163.119
7. Canada 1154.104: Marioon 49.4 50.7 48.4, 147.15; Murray 48.5 49.5 50.5, 147.15; Bissonnette 49.7 50.3 50.7, 149.17 (top Canadian); Paton 49.6 48.5 49.7, 146.18; Poulin 44.1 48.2 48.4, 140.7; McKellar 46.4 46.5 46.2, 140.11; Redstone 47.2 47.5 49.5, 143.12; Spinney 45.1 48.3 49.5, 142.9.
8. Kenya "B" 1124.87
+ West Indies 575.35
After the match, there was a BBQ at the BCRC Clubhouse. The food ran out fairly quickly and the cool evening air drove many inside the Club or home to thaw out.
Tomorrow is the annual match with the RAF for the CanAir Trophy.
1. BCRC Captain's Team 1189.165
2. GB Under 25 "A" 1184.124
3. BCRC Vice-captain's Team 1183.161
4. Jersey 1168.142
5. GB Under 25 "B" 1166.137
6. Kenya "A" 1163.119
7. Canada 1154.104: Marioon 49.4 50.7 48.4, 147.15; Murray 48.5 49.5 50.5, 147.15; Bissonnette 49.7 50.3 50.7, 149.17 (top Canadian); Paton 49.6 48.5 49.7, 146.18; Poulin 44.1 48.2 48.4, 140.7; McKellar 46.4 46.5 46.2, 140.11; Redstone 47.2 47.5 49.5, 143.12; Spinney 45.1 48.3 49.5, 142.9.
8. Kenya "B" 1124.87
+ West Indies 575.35
After the match, there was a BBQ at the BCRC Clubhouse. The food ran out fairly quickly and the cool evening air drove many inside the Club or home to thaw out.
Tomorrow is the annual match with the RAF for the CanAir Trophy.
Tuesday 12 July
This is really an addendum to yesterday's report, since I now have most of the details from the Northern Expedition.
The first port of call was on the Huddersfield RC Brockholes Range, following lunch as is traditional at the Rock Inn. Teams of four fired 10 shots at 200 and 500 yards.
1. Huddersfield RC384.43
2. Canada 382.38: Frost 48.5 47.4, 95.9; Bissonnette 49.6 46.1, 95.7; Paton 50.9 50.9, 100.18; Murray 49.1 43.5, 92.4.
The group then crossed the Pennines for the match at Altcar. Here five teams competed, firing 15 shots at 300 and 600 yards.
1. Huddersfield RC 592.76
2. Manchester RC 587.55
3. Canada 582.74: Frost 74.8 70.2, 144.13; Murray 73.9 74.11, 147.20, Bissonnette 73.10 70.8, 143.18; Paton 73.10 75.13, 148.23
4. Altcar RC 581.76
5. Leeds RC 563.43
Mostly cloudy today at Bisley, with chance of showers. The match with the British Commonwealth Club starts in late afternoon and may finish before dark.
The first port of call was on the Huddersfield RC Brockholes Range, following lunch as is traditional at the Rock Inn. Teams of four fired 10 shots at 200 and 500 yards.
1. Huddersfield RC384.43
2. Canada 382.38: Frost 48.5 47.4, 95.9; Bissonnette 49.6 46.1, 95.7; Paton 50.9 50.9, 100.18; Murray 49.1 43.5, 92.4.
The group then crossed the Pennines for the match at Altcar. Here five teams competed, firing 15 shots at 300 and 600 yards.
1. Huddersfield RC 592.76
2. Manchester RC 587.55
3. Canada 582.74: Frost 74.8 70.2, 144.13; Murray 73.9 74.11, 147.20, Bissonnette 73.10 70.8, 143.18; Paton 73.10 75.13, 148.23
4. Altcar RC 581.76
5. Leeds RC 563.43
Mostly cloudy today at Bisley, with chance of showers. The match with the British Commonwealth Club starts in late afternoon and may finish before dark.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday 11 July
Our two groups have now returned from Wales and the North. Both were full of praise for the wonderful hospitality they received and the enjoyment of the trips.
Wales. The match was fired on Sunday at the Roglet Moor Range. To start things off, there was an individual competition at 500m, won by our Peter Redstone with 48.3 who counted out John Chapman. The team match was for teams of six at 500 and 600m. Wales emerged victorious with 564.36 over Canada's 556.42. Canadian Team scores: Peter Redstone 48.6, 39.1 (more sight problems), 87.7; John Chapman 47.3, 47.6, 94.5; Alain Marion 48.6, 49.4, 97.10; Leo Poulin 45.2, 46.2, 91.4; Steven Spinney 48.6, 46.4, 94.8; Jack McKellar 47.4, 46.4, 93.8.
I do not yet have the scores from the two matches up north, so will report on these tomorrow.
The weather has been fair for the last three days, with a changeable forecast ahead. Tomorrow, we fire against the British Commonwealth RC in an evening match.
Wales. The match was fired on Sunday at the Roglet Moor Range. To start things off, there was an individual competition at 500m, won by our Peter Redstone with 48.3 who counted out John Chapman. The team match was for teams of six at 500 and 600m. Wales emerged victorious with 564.36 over Canada's 556.42. Canadian Team scores: Peter Redstone 48.6, 39.1 (more sight problems), 87.7; John Chapman 47.3, 47.6, 94.5; Alain Marion 48.6, 49.4, 97.10; Leo Poulin 45.2, 46.2, 91.4; Steven Spinney 48.6, 46.4, 94.8; Jack McKellar 47.4, 46.4, 93.8.
I do not yet have the scores from the two matches up north, so will report on these tomorrow.
The weather has been fair for the last three days, with a changeable forecast ahead. Tomorrow, we fire against the British Commonwealth RC in an evening match.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Friday 8 July
We fired our first match this afternoon against two teams from the North London RC and one from Kenya. Fortunately Steven Spinney's flight from Canada was not overly delayed and he reached Bisley in late morning. It must be said that he was a little weary from his travels, but he did shoot in the afternoon! Leo Poulin and Jim Paton have also now arrived, but too late to be part of the match.
For those who were here, there was a practice at 1000 yards this morning. It was cool, blustery with frequent showers.
The match itself was bedevilled by a shortage of butt markers, several having to service two targets. This slowed things down to a considerable degree. In addition, towards the end of the 900 yards range, radio communication between the firing point and butts, which had been erratic at best, broke down completely, forcing an abandonment of that range. Two of our shooters could not complete their strings, so that, in the end, the scores of the six of our shooters were pro-rated to make eight. There was a further delay in starting the 1000 yards while things were sorted out, but they really were not totally. However, in the end everyone completed their shoot. The weather was better than had been feared, with only occasional spits of rain, but with a fairly strong and changeable wind. Apart from jet lag, some of our people were not yet in fine shooting fettle and there were also some mechanical issues - ask Peter Redstone sometime about his foresight falling off, his rush to get a new one fitted, and his completing his 1000 yard shoot firing at two targets! Results of the match were:
1. NLRC President's Team, 1132.113
2. Kenya 1096.85
3. NLRC Chairman's Team 1090.84
4. Canada 1080.67 - Serge Bissonnette 144.8, Stan Frost 137.11, Steven Spinney 136.8, Alain Marion (pro-rated) 136.7, Scott Murray (pro-rated) 136.7, Peter Redstone 132.4, John Chapman 130.8, Jack McKellar 129.4. Target "coordinator": Jim Thompson.
This evening we were hosted for dinner by the North London, a most pleasant affair.
Tomorrow morning our two groups head off for Wales on the one hand and for Huddersfield and Altcar on the other. They all return on Monday afternoon. I will report on their results when they give them to me.
The next encounter at Bisley is against the British Commonwealth Club on Tuesday.
For those who were here, there was a practice at 1000 yards this morning. It was cool, blustery with frequent showers.
The match itself was bedevilled by a shortage of butt markers, several having to service two targets. This slowed things down to a considerable degree. In addition, towards the end of the 900 yards range, radio communication between the firing point and butts, which had been erratic at best, broke down completely, forcing an abandonment of that range. Two of our shooters could not complete their strings, so that, in the end, the scores of the six of our shooters were pro-rated to make eight. There was a further delay in starting the 1000 yards while things were sorted out, but they really were not totally. However, in the end everyone completed their shoot. The weather was better than had been feared, with only occasional spits of rain, but with a fairly strong and changeable wind. Apart from jet lag, some of our people were not yet in fine shooting fettle and there were also some mechanical issues - ask Peter Redstone sometime about his foresight falling off, his rush to get a new one fitted, and his completing his 1000 yard shoot firing at two targets! Results of the match were:
1. NLRC President's Team, 1132.113
2. Kenya 1096.85
3. NLRC Chairman's Team 1090.84
4. Canada 1080.67 - Serge Bissonnette 144.8, Stan Frost 137.11, Steven Spinney 136.8, Alain Marion (pro-rated) 136.7, Scott Murray (pro-rated) 136.7, Peter Redstone 132.4, John Chapman 130.8, Jack McKellar 129.4. Target "coordinator": Jim Thompson.
This evening we were hosted for dinner by the North London, a most pleasant affair.
Tomorrow morning our two groups head off for Wales on the one hand and for Huddersfield and Altcar on the other. They all return on Monday afternoon. I will report on their results when they give them to me.
The next encounter at Bisley is against the British Commonwealth Club on Tuesday.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday 7 July
I must apologise for my tardiness in updating this page. We've been busy settling in and then I went away for a few days. Now the Team is (slowly) gathering at Bisley, so that the pace of events will pick up. It also inevitably means that the spell of rather fine weather that we've enjoyed over the past week is coming to an end! Today has given us rain in the morning, with sun and showers this afternoon. There is supposed to be more rain tomorrow, just in time for the Overseas Teams Match with the North London RC in the afternoon.
The British Commonwealth Rifle Club Open Meeting was held last weekend. In the relatively benign weather, scores were high on both days. Full details may be found at http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/content/content.asp?site=NRA&id=972 . Alain Marion had a very good weekend, finishing 10th in the overall aggregate with 419.58/425 and standing first amongst overseas competitors. Jane Messer was in first place with 422.65. Also engaged from the Canadian Team were Scott Murray 412.43, Stan Frost 409.32, and Jack McKellar 397.31.
Tomorrow, Friday, assuming that a number of transatlantic flights arrive on time, we'll have a team in against the NLRC and overseas teams. Then, over the weekend, small groups go to Wales and to Huddersfield and Altcar for the traditional off-Bisley matches.
More on all this later.
The British Commonwealth Rifle Club Open Meeting was held last weekend. In the relatively benign weather, scores were high on both days. Full details may be found at http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/content/content.asp?site=NRA&id=972 . Alain Marion had a very good weekend, finishing 10th in the overall aggregate with 419.58/425 and standing first amongst overseas competitors. Jane Messer was in first place with 422.65. Also engaged from the Canadian Team were Scott Murray 412.43, Stan Frost 409.32, and Jack McKellar 397.31.
Tomorrow, Friday, assuming that a number of transatlantic flights arrive on time, we'll have a team in against the NLRC and overseas teams. Then, over the weekend, small groups go to Wales and to Huddersfield and Altcar for the traditional off-Bisley matches.
More on all this later.
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