In-form Jory heads Channel Islands Championship qualifier
PETER JORY continued his fine form last weekend to claim the Leale Trophy.
It is awarded to the highest score in the competition to select the top eight marksmen who will represent Guernsey in the annual Channel Islands Championship.
Conditions at Fort Le Marchant were tricky with a strong southerly wind blowing from behind the competitors, a wind that was strong enough to demolish one of the target frames. Fortunately the electronic sensors were undamaged, although there was a pause of some 30 minutes to allow for some hasty repairs.
Guernsey Rifle Club president Peter Jory followed on from his victory last week with a total of 101.11 ex 105.21 to claim first place in a strong field of nearly 20 club members.
With two sighters and seven scoring shots at each of the three ranges Jory took an early lead with a 34.04 ex 35.07 at 300 yards ahead of top B-class marksman James Nippers on 33.03.
Mike Creber, runner-up last week, failed at the first hurdle as he managed to put a shot on the adjoining target, costing him five points and the three adjacent shooters several minutes of worry as the extra shot on their target was identified and removed by the range officer.
At 500 yards Jory added another 34 with two V-bulls and his running total of 68.06 kept him two whole points clear of the chasing pack led by Nick Kerins and Freddie Stewart on 66.08, Nippers still leading B class on 66.06 and Ollie Hudson on 66.05.
The youngest member of the Stewart family, Alexander, held second place in B class with a 65.08 in what was his first competitive shoot.
Pierre Goubert took time out from keeping an eye on the electronic targets to record the best 500-yard score and his 35.05 was the only ‘possible’ of the day.
At 600 yards conditions worsened, with a buffeting southerly wind making good scores a rarity.
Jory held his nerve with a 33.05 for a grand total of 101.11 against Kerins on 33.01 for a 99.09 total and Hudson with a 33.01 for a 99.06.
Nippers maintained his composure and a 32.01 was enough for his 98.07 total to claim the Albiges Spoon as top B-class shot, just ahead of Karen Sheppard enjoying a rare outing with a 96.10 that included a 34.05 at 500 yards.
The youngest Stewart slipped back with a 29.01 on his first-ever visit to the longest range, but his 94.09 total showed that he has the potential to join brother Freddie in the up-and-coming category.
The competition against Jersey’s top eight remains in some doubt, but as the travel and quarantine arrangements are gradually improving it is hoped that the event will take place during the summer.
Top eight qualifiers
Peter Jory 101.11; Nick Kerins 99.09; Ollie Hudson 99.06; James Nippers 98.07; Freddie Stewart 97.10; Pierre Goubert 97.09; Rob Waters 97.05; Charlie Brewin 97.04.
Reserves: Karen Sheppard 96.10 and Jon Branch 96.07.
Non qualifiers: Rollo Tiffin 96.05; Alexander Stewart 94.09; Adam Norman 94.05; Alistair Stewart 93.06; Rory McKenna 92.06; Jeremy Witham 91.05; Huw Nippers 90.01; Mike Creber 88.04 and Mat Chammings 55.01.
