Stewart crowned Guernsey rifle champion ahead of Summer Prize Meeting

Alexander had enjoyed sensational results in the Schools Meeting at Bisley and this form continued as he placed all but one of his 15 shots into the bull at 500 yards for a score of 74.12. His brother kept up the pressure with a 74.10 and the 2023 champion Nick Thompson added a 74.09 but remained seven shots back from the leader.

At 600 yards Alexander held his nerve – if he has ever had one – and despite having to wait for his 15th and final shot while a yacht passed through the danger area, he calmly finished with a V-bull for a range total of 74.10, a total on the day of 148.22 ex 150.30, which gave him the Jory Bowl for the highest score in the final stage, and a championship-winning total of 399.53 ex 405.81.

Freddie Stewart faded with a 71.9 but his total of 394.42 kept him in the runner-up position and ensured he took the B Class Championship.

Thompson added a 73.09 for a total of 391.44 that was enough for third place but only just as B-class Jacques Bideau emerged as a new force to reckon with as he added a 74.10 to the 73.06 from 500 yards for a grand total of 391.40, and claimed the runner-up position in his class.

This week will see the annual Summer Prize Meeting where an impressive field of marksmen from the UK and Jersey will join local shooters for three days of competition, culminating in a team shoot on the Saturday afternoon.

Guernsey Rifle Club members will be working flat out during the week to prepare the range for the meeting so that it fully merits its claim as the Most Picturesque Rifle Range in the World.

Thanks to the hard work of Charlie Brewin live scores will be posted on the Guernsey Rifle Club Facebook page, which is gaining an audience throughout the shooting world and will allow those interested to watch the event unfold shot by shot.