Last Saturday's competition was shot over 400m in cool clear conditions. As usual, on the Warden Rifle Range, it was the wind which provided the challenge to the shooters. It was not the strength of the wind which was the problem it was the sudden switches in direction which occurred while in the 'aim' that caused the loss of most points.

The competitors should not have been too surprised by the brisk westerlies which blew into their faces as they tried to put their shots into the bulls eye. The previous night, Friday, saw gale force winds up and down the coast. It was only that they had abated that allowed shooting to take place at all.

Target Rifle scores off the rifle were: Bill Parker 47.5 and 49.1 for 96.6, Ronny Ware 46.3 and 47.1 for 93.4, Kevin Jessop 40.3 and 43.2 for 83.5 and Ray Southall 35 and 23 for 58.

In Free Class the first markers unintentionally put the wrong aiming marks on the targets. Instead of putting up the 400m aiming marks with a 73mm 10 ring for the bulls eye they put up the 300m aiming make with a 10 ring. This made good scoring very difficult and lower than usual scores were the result. Mick Passlow had 82 and 87 for 169/200 and Ken Fitzpatrick had 80 and 74 for 154/200.

There was cause for celebration in both the Milton Rifle Club and the Illawarra District Rifle Clubs Association last week as Bill Parker continued his recent good form to claim the title of NSW Champion of Champions. Bill had won the district title a few weeks ago and, on Saturday, July 26, defeated shooters from all over NSW to take the state title. His scores were: 300m, 50.4; 600m, 50.6; 700m, 50.5 and 800m 49.3 for a total of 199.18.

Wendy Moon from Mid North Coast District was second with 199.16, third was Spencer Dunstall from Riverina District on 198.21. Bill is now looking forward to the Australian National Competition which will be held in Queensland in June next year.

Next weeks competition will be held over 500m.

Milton Rifle Club can be contacted on 4457 1713 or 4456 4600.