So following a rather successful 3 days of individual shooting the team match day beckoned. Our trip out to the range this morning was uneventful but a glorious day was to be in store with fabulous views all round the Gen Vokes range.
Moving out to 300x for the, by now familiar, safety briefing. The flag committee finally settled on the correct way to fly the Union Flag and Capt Chris gave the captains pep talk encouraging straight shots, slick drills and concentration throughout. Our Canadian friends had confused the timings somewhat so as GB and the USA (represented by the Washington Wranglers) teams stood ready we were a little confused by their absence however soon instated they were ready to go.
At 300x the going was typically steady very little wind coming in aside a gentle drift from 1/4 left to 1/4 right, leaving the coaches with little to do except centre the groups from some very tight grouping ammunition.
GB dropping only one point with USA -8 and BCRA -13
Moving back to 500x the wind had picked up and started to flick and change direction quite quickly but with a readable mirage it was possible to shoot through and GB continued a strong performance dropping only 2 to continue leading with -3, USA now -10 and BCRA – 19.
At 600x the conditions became a lot more testing, typically with the wind coming through the gap to the right of the 500x firing point but then swirling and eddying down the range which at times was showing up to 3 different sets of mirage all going in different directions. It was easy to loose points if not paying attention but the coaches performed admirably and the team managing only six points dropped at 600x. USA dropping 10 further points and BCRA 25.
Final scores in full on the results page.
GBRT – 1191.143, top score Chris Mitchell 150.21
USA (Washington Wranglers – 1174.101 top score Anette Wachter 149.18
British Columbia RA – 1156.93 top score Jim Paton 150.16
Alongside GBRT had two four man teams.
GBRT #2 – 595.68 top score Dave Rose 149.18
GBRT #1 – 579.62 top score Angus McLeod 147.23
A quick wrap up on the range with the obligatory team photos followed by a quick presentation we were soon bidding a very fond farewell to our friends from both British Columbia and the USA. We have been superbly looked after and the Championships have been run very efficiently and with great attention to detail. Peter Dobell and Dave Adams in particular must be thanked for their organisation as well as those behind the scenes running Stats, the Butts and all the other elements that have enabled these championships to take place. It is also worth noting that all other shooting on this range has been postponed due to the fire hazard so we have been immensely lucky to have been able to shoot this week.
A decamp to the hotel has seen a relaxing afternoon for most with some taking the chance to stop off in the river on the way back to the range or take a long lunch. Team duties must still be attended to though and Reg (the efficient baggage master) cracked on with getting a jump on the team packing ably assisted by his team. This task completed again at record speed was only marred by the discovery on completion of the box of Coaches headsets that had not made their way from his room to the packing area and thus not into team bags… We will see if there is space in the morning.
A couple of days of R&R beckons with trips for walking, white water rafting, golf and others all on the table.
