Waters’ perfect finish nails down NRA spot
IT WAS the right time to ‘produce’ the goods.
A strong performance in the Hermitage Trophy – seven scoring shots for a maximum of 35.07 at each of the three ranges – was the final chance to attract the attention of the selectors as they picked a Guernsey Rifle Club team to face the touring National Rifle Club eight in this weekend’s annual match at Fort Le Marchant.
Rob Waters, in particular, made no mistakes as he took a superb win with a 105.15 ex 105.21.
Starting with a 35.03, Waters took an early lead at 300 yards from Nick Kerins on 35.02.
At 500 yards there were again only two possibles, Waters with a 35.05 and Nick Ogier with a 35.01. Ogier’s score was remarkable in that he converted a V bull sighter and then failed to hit the V bull for his next six shots, that is doing it the hard way.
The result was looking fairly certain as Waters arrived at the 600-yard range with a lead of two whole points and a handful of ‘Vs’.
A careful shoot produced the ultimate finish, a perfect 35.07 ex 35.07, to take the trophy and ensure selection for the team match.
Kerins added a 35.05 to take second spot on 103.09, with Pete Jory third on 102.09.
There was no separate competition for B class marksmen, but it was Jeremy Witham who once again took the category honours, losing just a single point at each of the two longer ranges, with a 96.10 that included a lowly 28.01 at 300 yards.
Sylvia Sirett was making a welcome return to the sport following injury problems and her 92.06 total included a useful 34.03 at 500 yards.
The eight marksmen to face the NRA at 1.30 tomorrow will be captained by Nick Kerins and after a selector’s meeting the following were named: Nick Kerins, Peter Jory, Rob Waters, Luke Malcic, Nick Mace, Pierre Goubert, Mike Creber and Phil Ogier. The reserves, who will shoot against their NRA rivals, were named as Elizabeth College cadets Will Tiffin and Jacob Goss.
