Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Roseville members representing Australia

The National Rifle Association of Australia (NRAA) announced the Australian teams going to South Africa in 2024 to contest the World Long Range Championships for Target Rifle. Initially the match had been scheduled for March/April 2023 but was postponed to 2024 due to COVID.   Roseville Rifle Club had quite a few nominations for the various teams showing the strength of target rifle within the club. Roseville is very proud to have 3 people selected as shooters within 2 of the 3 Australian teams.

Australian Veteran’s team (here), including from RRC:

  • Mark Buchanan

Australian Palma team (here)

Australian Under 25’s Team (here), including from RRC:

  • Pat Jacombs
  • Adam Beale

Pat Jacombs and Adam Beale

Mark Buchanan

These 3 individuals also represented Australia at the previous World Long Range Championships held in new Zealand in 2019 (pre Covid) where they each came home with team medals and where Mark also came home with an individual prize as the top Veteran shooter. RRC are very proud that these individuals’ skills are being recognised by the selectors and we wish these RRC members well on their medal quest in South Africa in 2024.

Janet Beale

Sargard, Mackintosh (lead-up) and Kings NSWRA 147th OPM

Sargard and the Emms

First day of the NSW Open Competition is the time for the Teams Matches – The Sargard (TR) and the Emms (F-class). The competition is at 600m and is a 2+10 for 5 shooters. Conditions were blustery from the right shoulder straight across the field – watch those pickups and drop offs! The wind coaches and shooters could tell they weren’t at Hornsby!

Who won the Sargard (TR)? No it wasn’t Holsworthy – shock horror – it was “The Left Overs” (Jeremy Chan, Damon Livermore, Alex Hoffmann, Nick Hocking, Matt Shepherd). Alas, the winds got the better of the TR team and they managed the wooden spoon. Thanks to our Roseville representatives of Mark Buchanan, Angus Lansford, Adrian Bonanni, Adam Beale and Alan Patrick (the top shooter for the team). Guess we need some practise in heavy wind! But the team was competitive, just 3 points behind the main pack.

Who won the Emms (F-class)? It was “Accuracy Matters” with Roseville’s Eva Patrick as part of the team alongside of Daniel Galea, Jacinta Bradley, Marty Kelly & Darren Bradley. Well done Eva for being second highest scorer in the team!

The MacIntosh (2-day lead up competition to the NSWRA 147th Open Championships / King’s Prize)

The move of the King’s Prize (formerly Queen’s) event from its traditional September date meant more competitors and new challenges at the MacIntosh (lead-up) held at Malabar on 25/26 January.. It was hot. It was sunny. Sun-cream and sun-umbrellas were at the ready and lots of water seemed to define the MacIntosh this year. Did we mention the Projectile shortages, Lapua case shortages, primer rationing, and lack of 2206h powder? Hmm, the shortages are starting to hurt – the NSWRA shelves are distinctly lower in stock than previously, unless you want a glove for the “other” hand. Oops, back to the event….Because of when it was held, the MacIntosh coincided with Australia Day so there was a Navy helicopter towing the Australian flag, and lots of people out and about for the pickets to watch out for. Malabar’s location was also a good viewing point for the Australia Day sailing competition that was just off the coast. However, one of the neighbours complained “why do you have to shoot up at this end (ie 800m), it is so noisy and you have all that space down there (waving towards the 600m and 500m mound). Cant you do it down there?” Obviously the neighbour did not understand how important the 800m range is to these competitions and he/she did not understand that previously this was the traditional date for the “Festival of Sydney” shoot.  We didn’t set out to ruin their Australia Day.
Of our five Roseville competitors, Janet Beale (FTR) came home with the only silverware from the MacIntosh. Mark Buchanan (TR-A), Adam Beale (TR-A), Adrian Bonanni (TR-A), and Ross Webb (FSTD-B) had some very good individual shoots but alas, came home empty handed. It’s a tough day at the office when, in TR A-grade, that a 50-7 means you might come 15th and a 50-2 means you might come 23rd in that detail. Tough day indeed.

So here is how the Mackintosh lead-up played out for our Rosevillians:

  • Mark Buchanan (TR-A): 99.55% accuracy
  • Janet Beale (FTR): 98.32% accuracy, first place medal at 500m with 60-7; first place medal at 700m with 60-9
  • Adam Beale (TR-A): 97.33% accuracy
  • Adrian Bonanni (TR-A): 96.66% accuracy
  • Ross Webb (FTSD-B): 88.31% accuracy

Great weather, maybe a sun burn or two, but despite our Roseville competitors no winning a lot (they obviously all shot well), any day at the range beats a day in the office or at home.

NSWRA 147th Annual Open Championships 2023 (The King’s)

It is January and the 5-day NSWRA 147th Annual Open Championships for 2023 kicked off on Friday the 27th. All up, there were 189 competitors over 8 classes/divisions with 47% in Target Rifle, 45% in F-class and 8% in Sport/Hunter. Roseville had 6 entries in Target Rifle (TR) and 2 in FTR. Such was the depth of talent pesent that there were 57 competitors in TR-A.
King’s Day 1 was a shocker. Cloudy, and very gusty from the west. The details were two 2+10 at 600m then a 2+15 at 700m. By the end of the day, we all missed Hornsby! Alan Patrick (TR-B) had the most notable outcome – coming 2nd at 700m. Mark Buchanan had a terrific score of 74-9 at 700m but dropping any points in TR-A moves you into the 26th+ position for a detail. At the end of Day 1, Chris Sefton was running 6th in TR-C, Alan Patrick and Angus Langsford came 4th and 5th in TR-B and the rest of the Roseville squad were in various lower places in their respective packs having had trouble reading those nasty winds that were coming in from the right hand side.
King’s Day 2 was sunny and humid (great sun-umbrella weather) – and lots of water needed all around. Winds were from the east this time (off the water) and relatively softer causing some mild mirage – favouring those of us from Hornsby. It was a jam-packed day of 2+10 at 300m, 500m, 500m, 800m. By the last detail we were all exhausted, hot, and no longer much in the mood – but some survived better than others. During the day, Janet Beale came 1st at 500m in FTR, Chris Sefton had a phenominal 50-8 at 500m coming 1st in TR-C (note that this was an A-grade competitive score and it was only his second ever possible!). Our “Patricks Marketing” duo did very well with Alan Patrick coming 1st in TR-B at 500m, and the beautiful Eva Patrick coming 1st in the daily aggregate for FTR! Roseville certainly preferred day 2 of the King’s over day 1.
King’s Day 3 started off very overcast with mild winds from the east, but, by mid morning, the sun had mostly come out as did the sun-umbrellas. The early shooters had the best time of it, but as we were all squadded, for the most part people were shooting at the similar time to others in their division. It was a short day with only two details, a 2+10 and 2+15 at 800m. Some very high scores were posted by Roseville throughout the day but for many, it was too late after the carnage from day 1. Call out to Mark Buchanan who scored a 75-13 but came 3rd in TR-A (such are the competitors in TR-A).

So here is how the NSW King’s 2023 played out for our Rosevillians:

  • Mark Buchanan (TR-A): 98.39% accuracy; 3rd at 800m in TR-A;
  • Adam Beale (TR-A): 97.59% accuracy;
  • Adrian Bonanni (TR-A): 96.66% accuracy;
  • Alan Patrick (TR-B): 98.59% accuracy; 2nd in the King’s TR-B, 2nd in the second and third daily aggregates (TR-B), 1st at 500m (TR-B), 2nd at 700m (TR-B), 2nd at 500m (TR-B), 2nd at 300m (TR-B);
  • Angus Langsford (TR-B): 96.39% accuracy, 3rd at 300m (TR-B);
  • Chris Sefton (TR-C): 93.39% accuracy; 4th in the King’s TR-C; 1st at 500m (TR-C);
  • Eva Patrick (FTR): 97.13% accuracy; 1st in the second daily aggregate (FTR);
  • Janet Beale (FTR): 96.29% accuracy, 1st at 500m.

We congratulate Roseville past alumni Gary Faulkner and Peter Walters for winning the King’s in their respective disciplines! Mitch Bailey from Holsworthy scored a phenomenal 500.80 to beat his dad Jim Bailey in TR-A so well done Mitch!

Janet Beale

The National Veteran’s Teams Match

While it was planned to be held in Sept 2022, Covid meant a postponement of the National Veteran’s Teams Match. So it was that on 23 January 2023, just days before the NSWRA 147th Open  Championships / Kings Prize, that two of our Roseville stalwarts, Mark Buchanan (TR) and Janet Beale (FSTD), represented NSW in the TR and F-class Veteran’s teams. The blazers and shirts may say 2022, but the hat bands and calendar says 2023….who is confused?

Due to the 4 month delay, there were fewer states represented at the comp, but that does not mean the effort or will to win was diminished.

Day 1 was the “Masters” in Target Rifle and the “Earnie Mace Match” in F-Standard (both competitions are shot at 800m as a 2+15 shoot for each of 5 shooters). Conditions meant the wind coaches had their work-hats on to glean every point they could out of the fickle Malabar winds. In F-Standard that also meant shoot as fast as possible to catch the right moment.  In both classes, NSW prevailed and took home 1st place medals – congrats to Janet and Mark (ok – yes – and the rest of their respective team-mates) on their win – particularly also congrats to their wind coaches who pulled out mini-miracles. Mark Buchanan was also the top shooter for the day in TR and therefore took home an additional prize medal.

Day 2 was the “Don Cook Match” in TR and the “Rob Richards-Mousley Match” in F-Standard. These were details of 2+10 for each shooter, at distances of 300m, 600m, 700m and 800m. NSW was the “hands- down” winner in TR leaving the other states in the dust. In fact, NSW TR veteran’s team, won at each and every distance meaning they won the “Don Cook Match” and the “Kosi-Ford Trophy” for the 2 day aggregate. Well done to Mark and his team mates. In F-Standard, just before lunch, things were a little more interesting as there was an equipment (scope) failure by a NSW team member and therefore a mid-detail swap-in of Janet’s rifle & ammo for that team-mate after a string of wild scores at 600m. Then, after lunch, at 800m a different team member had problems with his sighters meaning a quick trip to the paper target to get things squared away.  Needless to say, NSW didn’t win the 600m range or the day’s “Rob Richards-Mousley Match”. However, despite not winning day 2, NSW F-Standard team managed to win the Combined Aggregate for the 2 days by a single point. Phew. That was close. Janet also won the team’s “best team member” unofficial award.

NSW Vets wrap up: Mark came home with 3 medals and an individual prize, Janet came home with 2 medals and an individual unofficial prize. Well done to our Rosevillians and their NSW team mates, wind coaches and captains!  Great team effort by all.

FTR team
T-Rifle team

Janet Beale

ACT Kings 2022 Match

Mark Buchanan Master-Class in feisty Canberra Winds!

There were ten Roseville Members who travelled to Canberra to compete in the ACT Rifle Championships from the 16th to the 20th of November.   For Ross Webb, Nigel Russell, Paul Russell and Nicholas Bonanni, it was the first time they had competed at Canberra and they soon understood why this range has a reputation.   They say that a win at Canberra is worth two wins elsewhere, and this tournament was no exception.

With the State Teams matches schedule to follow the ACT Championships – this event was very well patronised with a record 170 shooters contesting the lead-up and a total of 265 competitors competing in the Kings Prize.   It was sensational – to be on a rifle range with so many competitors and brought back memories of years gone by where a Queens Prize would see more than 350 competitors at Malabar.

The mornings at Canberra tend to be kinder to shooters than the afternoon – however on the first day of the Lead-Up event – it snowed!!   A southerly polar vortex pushed rapidly through Canberra and then north to Sydney and so the 500M match in the lead-up was tricky.   Mark Buchanan showed his pedigree putting down a 50.6 in TR-A and Nigel Russell took the Gold Medal in TR-C with a 48.6.   Ross Webb posted a credible 56.1 in FS-B – re-acquainting himself with the Canberra winds.

Snow falling on the Canberra Range – Day 1 of the Lead-Up

The first 600M match on Day 1 of the lead-up saw the winds come in the side-door with the occasional straightening of the flags.   By now the snow had disappeared and the sun had come out and the range was a balmy 25 degrees.   People were in t-shirts again.   Sam Houston got a hold of the 600M wind and posted a 49.2 to pick-up the Bronze Medal in TR-B.   Nigel Russell continued on his good shooting in TR-C to post a 48.1 and pick up another Gold Medal.  Ross Webb backed up his good showing in the morning with a 52.1 in FS-B showing good consistency.

The conclusion of Day 1 of the lead-up saw Mark Buchanan put the hammer down with a 75.10 at 700M to come fourth in TR-A and fourth in the Day 1 Agg.  Hot on his heals was Paul Russell who finally got his mojo and posted a 75.7 to win TR-B at 700M and claim a Gold Medal.  Nigel Russell also scraped into 3rd Place in TR-C with a 68.5 to collect another medal and win the Day 1 Agg in TR-C.

Day 1 Agg Winner – Lead-Up – Nigel Russell TR-C

Paul Russell goes clean at 700M in the Lead Up – 75.7 TR-B

Day 2 of the Lead-Up started at the “easy 700M”.   Easy for some but not all.   Mark Buchanan went clean with a fine 50.6 and Nigel Russell came 3rd in TR-C with 44.3 to collect another Bronze Medal along the way.   Ross Webb showed he was in the mood on the Thursday posting a credible 56.3 coming 5th in FS-B for the match.

And so it was back to 800M for an afternoon of spoiling winds coming in from the side-door and the back-door of the Canberra Range.  Mark held for a 49.3 in TR-A.  Nigel dropped a few to many points allowing the local blokes in Canberra Club to move up the board a bit and put pressure on his lead in TR-C.

The last match of the Lead-Up was 15 shots at 800M.   Mark was caught in a tricky wind-set and posted a 70.5 to slip down the ladder a bit.   Adrian Bonanni fared a little better posting a 72.6 in TR-A but still short of the elusive possible.  Nigel slipped on a banana-peel helping the next-door neighbour during his match – and slipping off the top rung in TR-B.  Ross Webb posted a reasonable 79.1 in FS-B to place 9th in the match.

So the lead-up was run and done.   At the end of the match Roseville only had 1 badge winner – Nigel Russell taking out Number 2 Badge in TR-C with a 311.18.

Nicholas Bonanni travelled to Canberra by train on Thursday evening and Tim Walter drove down Thursday afternoon to enter the fray for the ACT Kings Prize.   Ross Webb did not compete in the Kings – and decided to enjoy the sights of Canberra while the rest of the Club contingent toiled away on the range.   Nicholas had to show all his patience and perseverance at the first 500M match for the ACT Kings – as his old-man had pushed his fire-formed cases too hard, and he had to retire from the mound twice with case-separations.   It was not the start you want at an ACT Kings – but he fired the full compliment and posted a 41.3 in TR-C for his first match.   Mark was all-business at the first match putting down a 50.7 in TR-A.   The wind was quite strong from the right – but not consistent – so it was a real case of firing when the flags were right.

At the second 500M the scores went up a bit – as conditions settled a little and shooters got into the flow of the match.   Mark continued where he left off – posting a credible 50.6 in TR-A.   Adrian Bonanni got beaten by his son – by 1 centre.  He posted a 49.2 in TR-A and Nicholas posted a 49.3 in TR-C coming 5th and earning bragging rights over the old-man.  Tim Walter posted a credible 48.4 in TR-B.

The 15-shot match in the afternoon at 600M proved quite tricky  –  with pulsing wind and quick direction changes in the flags.  Mark closed out his day with a 73.7 – only two-points day on Day 1 of the Kings in TR-A.  Paul Russell showed his penchant for 600M again – posting a credible 73.5 in TR-B and Nigel Russell lifted his game to post a 71.2 in TR-C.   At the end of Day 1 – Mark was sitting in 25th place in TR-A and Nigel was sitting in 6th place in TR-C.

The Tiverton Cup match was held in the late afternoon – when all 280 shooters had finished their individual matches.   The NSW Junior Training programme requested the presence of Paul Russell and Nicholas Bonanni to shoot in an U/19 Training team, and so Roseville co-opted the services of Bill Ballantyne from Hornsby-Manly TRC and Mal McKenzie from Wingham to fill in for our Junior team members.   The young Roseville members shot very well in the U/19 team showing their credentials.   Nicholas posted a 46.2 and Paul posted a 47.5.   In the Tiverton Cup – our Roseville Gold team came 5th in a field of 13 TR Teams – with a score of 198.18 – 7 centres behind a classy Lyndhurst Team in 4th place.   The winners of the Tiverton Cup were Holsworthy Rifle Club posting a score of 200 with 35 centres.

Friday evening was the Captains dinner held at the lovely George Bar and Dining restaurant in the Lake George Hotel at Bungendore.   We were pleased to be joined by Phill Hodder who drove down from Sydney to have dinner and spend a couple of social days on the range – unable to get time off work to compete in the ACT Kings.

Captains Dinner at the Lake George Hotel – Bungendore

Captains Dinner at the Lake George Hotel – Bungendore

Saturday at Canberra is known as super-Saturday – it is where shooters can consolidate their position or even lift themselves up the board – with two 800M matches at the end of the day.   The morning was at a very benign 700M – and Adrian Bonanni made the most of the lovely conditions early posting a 50.7 in TR-A.   Believe it or not – he came 44th in the match for TR-A showing how good conditions were.  Mark went 2 centres better to post a 50.9 and come 7th in TR-A for the match.   Sam Houston showed some class in TR-B posting a 49.5 and Nigel Russell shot well posting a 49.3.

So it was back to 800M for the a 10 and 15 shot match.   Mark was all-class just slipping out of the bulls-eye once on the first match to post a 49.8 in TR-A.  Tim Walter posted a credible 47.4 in TR-B and Nigel held is ground with a 46.1 in TR-C.   Conditions got a bit trickier for the 15 shot match later in the afternoon – with the wind flicking and changing as it came in from the left hand side of the range.  Mark posted a 73.3 in these tricky conditions in TR-A.   Adrian Bonanni got caught up in the Canberra washing machine posting a poor 67.5 and Nicholas Bonanni pounced – flogging the old-man again by posting a credible 69.4 in TR-C.

At the end of the Saturday matches – there were no Roseville members sitting in the badge list – but some were close.

The final day of the ACT Kings saw some of the most feral winds play across the range at the 600M mound.   A westerly had blown in and it was flicking North Westerly to come in from both the side and the back-door.   On top of that – those who shot early had to deal with the rain.   Mark showed his wind-reading pedigree and posted a 49.4 in TR-A in these conditions coming 29th in A-Grade.   Tim Walter also showed his grit to post a 46.4 in TR-B.   Conditions did not settle down for the final 15 shot match of the tournament with the winds gusting to 16-20 MPH and flicking.   Marks final match saw him post a 71.6 in TR-A and jump up into the Badge List – taking out Number 23 badge in A-Grade.   His perseverance and ability to minimise the points he dropped shone through.   Nigel Russell posted a credible 68.1 in TR-C – but the local Canberra TR-C shooter put up a 74.6 showing that local knowledge counts for a lot on Canberra Range.  Adrian Bonanni found the wind un-readable – firing good shot – but stringing them along a water-line from magpie to magpie.   Nicholas again pounced,  putting up a 64.3 and taking another match off the old-man.

In the Grand Aggregate – Mark Buchanan picked up number 16 badge in TR-A and Nigel Russell picked up number 2 Badge in TR-C.   It was a wonderful and challenging five days of competition mixed with good camaraderie, good dining and great memories.    We are all looking forward to the NSW Kings Prize in January 2023 – where the threads on our wind-arms will not wear out!

The full results can be found here:  https://www.results.nraa.com.au/act-championships-2022-results/

 

 

 

Belmont 2022 – Nationals (19th – 23rd Oct)

Marcus and Comrade relaxing.

Queensland’s Belmont Rifle Range was the home of the 50th National Rifle Competition comprising the President’s Match (leadup) and the King’s Prize. Four stalwarts from Roseville made the trek north – Mark Buchanan, Dmitri Kazakov, Adam Beale and Janet Beale.

Mark & Dmitri decided to go early and attend the Natives Prize Meeting prior to the Presidents & Kings. Mark departed early Thursday morning stopping off at Ballina for the night as he is getting a bit long in the tooth to be able to match Dmitri’s record driving time of 8 1/2hr to Brisbane. Saturday we commenced at the shorts with limited success with his trusty rusty Angel. Mark brought three rifles with ammo to suit each however using the Barnard with a Benchmark at the long ranges on the Sunday saw a comeback to end up 4th overall. Dmitri’s “special” 16,000 round barrel don’t work wonders finishing.

On the Monday Comrade & Mark went for a drive to the Cleveland area having lunch at the Redland Bay Hotel. Mark started going downhill from there with expected long Covid however it turned out to be just a short flu as he regained strength towards the end of the week. It didn’t help his scores in the Presidents either as he left his raincoat at home.

There was a poignant moment as a minute of silence was held and a “parting shot” for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II prior to the start of the official competition.  The shot was completed by Benn Emm’s who was the previous National Queen’s winner.

Queensland’s tag line of “Beautiful one day, perfect the next” missed the mark in 2022. This year it should have said “cloudy one day, cloudier the next” or even “rainy one day, nearly flooded the next”. Mother Nature had an ironic sense of timing that made life very interesting for the participants and the competition organisers. While the President’s Match went ahead as scheduled with 7 details over 2 days, the King’s Prize, which would normally be a longer 10 details over 3 days became a modified 5 details over 2 days with fewer shots delivered per shooter than in the lead-up. Yes the final day was totally cancelled too….see the severe weather advice that was broadcast to all the phones.

However, the competition did proceed under amended SSR’s that allowed for tents to be used for the competition should there be inclement weather. And those tents were certainly used on both days of the shortened King’s competition.

So how did our Roseville stalwarts fair? Not as well as any would have liked. This time our standout performer was Dmitri.

Dmitri Mark Janet
Dmitri (TRA): 96.8% accuracy in President’s match with 2 possibles, 98.1% accuracy in King’s match, 14th place. No shots on wrong targets this time! Mark (TRA): 96.5% accuracy in President’s match, 2 possibles, 96.9% accuracy in King’s match Janet (FTR): did not shoot the President’s match, 95.3% accuracy in King’s match….oops she made the wrong load for the 210gr projectiles so they didn’t group well Adam (TRA): 96.5% accuracy in President’s match, 3 possibles, 94.7% accuracy in King’s match

Despite the weather, despite the lack of prizes for our Roseville stalwarts, it was good to get out of Sydney and try out the longer distances again. Congrats to Steve Negus from Canberra for winning the King’s prize. Can we recommend the trip to Belmont? Yes but only if you have good rubber boots, a sense of humour, and a Bunnings umbrella!

The results are available: The President; The Kings Prize; The Presidents + The Kings Prize Grand Agg.

Thanks to QRA for the photos

Janet Beale, Mark Buchanan

NSW Queens Prize 2022

The NSWRA 146th Annual Open Championships 2022 (the 2 day lead up “McIntosh” followed by the 3 days “NSW Queens”) was held 7 Sept 2022 to 11 Sept 2022. However, half way through, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was announced. The news came to Australia in the wee hours of Friday 9 Sept which was the first day of the “NSW Queens” event. The decision was made by the NSWRA Board to continue the competition and to hold it as the “NSW Queens” in her honour as the 5 day Open Championships had already commenced on the Wednesday. A minute of silence was held before shooting commenced on Friday. Later, we were advised that the NRAA will be meeting in the near future to discuss which of the upcoming “Queen’s Prizes” will be held as such and when the changeover to the “King’s Prize” will formally come into effect, but the impact that Her Majesty’s death has had on the shooting world is far-reaching.

On a lighter note – the Roseville shooters tried hard in what can only be described as extremely trying conditions…and the scores were astonishingly diverse across the various details with most people experiencing both highs and extreme lows throughout the competition. Consider that on McIntosh day 2 we shot 2 details at 800m, at the first detail the people had about 9 min of wind, the second detail we had 12 or more minutes of wind. Needless to say, the marquee that was brought in for the presentations on the outside deck disintegrated with Thursday night’s wind. Then, on the last day of the Queen’s we shot at 800m again but with just 1-3 min of wind which was quite twitchy causing a lot of shot scores of 3, and some 2’s even in A grade. It wasn’t just wind, there was also rain, sun, heat and cold and everything in between (and for some of us that was all within the same detail).

Consider also that the winning target rifle A grade scores were Jim Bailey (Queens) on 492/500 and Steve Negus (Grand Aggregate) on 864/875. Needless to say, when these world-class shooters drop that many points in a Queen’s and yet still win, the conditions must be incredibly tricky for mere mortals to figure out.

Our Roseville competitors persevered in the conditions in what was the final “NSW Queen’s” for the foreseeable future:

Target Rifle A-grad
  • Adam Beale (Queen’s 98.98%): 600m – 1st place range prize, Queen’s Day 2 – 2nd place, Queen’s Badge #13
  • Mark Buchanan (McIntosh 98.66% and Queen’s 98.78%): 800m 1st place range prize, McIntosh Day 2 – 1st place, Grand Aggregate #9 badge.
  • Angus Martin (Queen’s 98.17%)
  • Alan Patrick (McIntosh 97.32% and Queen’s 95.12%)
Target Rifle C-grade
  • Nigel Russell (McIntosh 88.23%): 500m & 600m & 800m Macintosh 1st place range prizes, McIntosh day 1 – 2nd place
FTR
  • Eva Patrick (McIntosh 95.87% and Queen’s 93.92%): 500m Macintosh 1st place range prize, McIntosh day 1 – 1st place
  • Janet Beale (McIntosh 98.62% and Queen’s 95.48%): 800m Macintosh 1st place range prize, McIntosh day 2 – 2nd place, 800m Queen’s 1st place range prize, Queen’s day 1 – 3rd place.

Janet Beale

QRA Queens 2022

El Presidente Markoff, Komrad Kalashnikov (Dmitri), and Sam H attended the QRA Duncan and Queens.  Mark and Dmitri both drove, and Sam took the easy option of flying.  Mark and Sam stayed with Neil and Paula (who used to be Sam’s neighbours in Ballyclare) at Alexandra Hills – a short drive from the range, while Dmitri stayed on the range in a luxurious hut.

Conditions during the meet were mixed. The lead up conditions were clear – but with some wind gusts. Day 1 Queens was fine. Day 2 morning was fine, but heavy rain in the afternoon. QRA put tents up at 1000 during this. Visibility was poor, but it didn’t affect scores very adversely.

All 3 Rosevilleans who attended the QRA Queens had a 100% success rate (in catching CoVID that is).

Highlights (& Low Lights)

Komrad

Shooting a fantastic 50.9 at 1000 yards with his barrel that has fired over 15,000 rounds!!! Winning the second 1000 yards range on day 2. On top of the 50.9, the last shot of the stage was a Pin Hole: “Good Shot” says Hexta.

Komrad can really shoot with the best of them – just needing to keep them on his target.  Unfortunately, the Ukranian sniper managed to put one on a neighbours target in lead up, and again in Queens

 

Sam

Winning second 500yds range in TRB in lead up with  49.4, second in first 600 with 49.5; 2 Possibles at 900 winning Queens Day 2 Agg in TRB with 196.12

Sam clutched defeat from the jaws of victory with a terrible day 3.  He moved up 7 places after day 2 but back 4 after day 3; However – he managed to snare a #7 badge in TRB

 

Mark

Shooting heaps of possibles – just needing a few more centres to get the silverware

Winning #14 Badge in Queens

Day 3 was fine, and the Deputy Commissioner (Peter Thurtell) had a good lead going into 1000. However it was his brother Mark from Lyndhurst Rifle Club who prevailed. Mark has been a Queens bridesmaid many times, but the QRA makes him a 3 Times Queens winner. Congratulations Mark Thurtell.

Numbers of of shooters (macro level): TR – 76; FS – 36; FO – 31; FTR – 27.

We enjoyed pizza together at Dmitri’s favourite pizzeria on our final night.

Full Results can be found: QRA Queens Series 2022 and Duncan & QRA Queens Series Grand Agg 2022

Sam Houston

Roseville Clans succeed at Gosford

On Sunday 7th August, Gosford District Rifle Club celebrated 75 years at Kariong rifle range with their anniversary Open Prize Meeting. Given the blustery conditions at Hornsby on Saturday, this did not deter 13 RRC members who made the trek up the freeway to test their skills on Sunday at the Kariong range. Mostly clear skies, reasonably cool, but the wind became the kicker from mid morning onwards with flags doing 90 or 180 degree changes mid-shoot for some people. However, as always, there were the occasional steady patches that benefitted a few lucky ones.

Of the 8 discipline/grade combinations on offer, RRC had competitors in 5 divisions. With RRC representing 36% of those division’s competitors it is not too surprising that RRC took home medals in each of those divisions. There were some standout performances but the one that has to be mentioned is young Paul Russell who was shooting in TR-B. At the end of the day, Paul was tied with Darren Crimstor for first place in TR-B on a score of 170-8  so they had to do a shoot-off. What a nail biter! Paul won the shoot-off and as a reward not only did he win TR-B he also was asked to shoot the “lucky bull”. Huge congrats to Paul for his win (FYI Paul moved into B-Grade just before Wingham so this is a huge milestone win!).

In stats below, the accuracy is the shooters score compared to the winner (according to NRAA database). You will notice a theme that 3 Roseville clans (Bonanni/Ross, Russell and Beale) took home the bulk of the day’s RRC prize haul.

TR-A Grade
Dmitri Kazakov: accuracy 99.99% – 5th place badge TR-A
Adam Beale: accuracy 98.84% – one 2nd and one 3rd place range prize.
Phill Hodder: accuracy  98.84%
Adrian Bonanni: accuracy 95.37%

TR-B Grade
Paul Russell: accuracy 98.26% – one 1st place range prize, top TR-B shooter

TR-C Grade
Nicholas Bonanni: accuracy 91.32% – one 1st, one 2nd and one 3rd place range prize. Second in TR-C
Nigel Russell: accuracy 87.86% – one 2nd and two 3rd place range prizes. Third in TR-C

FS-B
Ross Webb: accuracy 93.26% – one 1st, and one 2nd place range prize. Second in FS-B
Christian Lemoy: accuracy 89.42% – two 3rd place range prizes. Third in FS-B
Skye Russell: accuracy 87.49% – one 2nd and one 3rd place range prize, Tyro Prize

F-TR
Janet Beale: accuracy 100%% – two 1st and one 3rd place range prize, top FTR shooter, top lady FTR, top veteran FTR
Alan Patrick: accuracy 96.09%
Eva Patrick: accuracy 94.14%

We love shooting with our Gosford friends – great food, great ambiance and a prize table full of things for people to take home. This year’s event did not disappoint even if the range winds were a bit more challenging than anticipated.

Janet Beale

Northern Territory Rifle Association 21st Queens Prize Meeting

“You’ll never never know if you never never go”

June saw intrepid members Alan & Eva Patrick take the trip to the Top End to test the best. When asked by caravaners from all over Australia how long it took to get to Darwin we said, “about 4.5 hours”. A much preferred travel time than the usual 7 days heard from many.

The 2 day lead up shoot called the Lou Hook saw Eva take out the lead up in FTR with a 335.14 while Alan shooting in TR ended in 10th place with a 287.22.

The lead up allowed everyone to get their zeros for the tropical and dusty range for the Queen’s. The range is positioned in a forest of trees, wild animals, crocodiles, birds and frequent fighter jets and various warplanes doing their manoeuvres. Wind came from various sides with gusts causing 2 minutes plus, change quickly.

Day 1 of the Queens had shooting at 2 x 500 & 2 x 600M. Alan produced a 193.20 to end 7th and Eva a 232.9 finishing 1st. An outstanding start for day 1. The TR leader for the day was Steve Negus who was the only person not to drop a shot ending with 200.32.

Day 2 saw outstanding blazing sunlight with winds that challenged everyone. Current Target Rifle world champion Steve Negus ended with a 195.29. The day’s leader Mick Forsberg (NT) ended with 198.23. Alan ended 8th with a 193.14.

Eva did not stop performing well delivering a 224.13 ending in 3rd place for the day.

Day 3 challenged all with 2 stages to finish at 800M and 900M.

Eva focussed on everything at 800M and came up with a 58.2(4th). Alan kept them with a 50.3 (6th). Donna Negus from Bungendore Rifle Club surprised even her husband with a 50.7 and finished 1st for TR at this stage.

The ever challenging 900M gave the system a shake up and Eva delivered a 54.2 (3rd place) and Alan 48.3 (7th place). No one on the range kept all their shots for 900m which says a lot about the difficulty of this stage.

The washup is everyone on the range had a fabulous time and the hospitality, facilities and catering was excellent.

The results were exceptionally outstanding for Eva who took out the NT Queens FTR No1 Badge and the Grand Aggregate.

Alan had a 7th place in TR which was a pleasing result for a usual recent FTR shooter.

The by-line for this adventure is the teams’ event which was a made up compilation of 2 member teams from each State, called the Dyer Teams Match.

Alan and Jim Jeffries teamed up to shoot a coached stage at 700M and through an addition of individual results through the Queens a team’s result was created. Representing NSW Alan and Jim came 3rd with Jim coaching Alan to a winning 700M score of 50.9 and 50.6.

The individual results for the Dyer were Mick Forsberg of Darwin Rifle Club had the best result with 594.74, Steve Negus 592.29, Jim Jeffries 588.58, Donna Negus 588.58 and Alan Patrick 584.55.

Report on NRAA Palma 2024 trials

Held at Belmont Rifle Range, 18 & 19 June, 2022

Roseville RC had two trialists, Pat Jacombs and Phill Hodder and a support crew of Phil Jacombs and Mike Hodder (aka the pack horse). Sam Houston also made the trip north, and was there for a holiday. He showed up at various times on both days to lend his support.

Mike drove both ways; the others flew up with the Jacombs arriving just before midnight.  The 08:30 roll call was quite an effort.  There were approximately 28 vying for 18 positions and a number for the 4 coaching positions.

UM spent the 2 days helping with the plotting for a target and really enjoyed the experience. Phil lent a hand as moral support for Pat and Phill, and had positive comments along the to keep them focused on the job.

The selection team included Catherine Berry, Geoff Grenfell, Jim Bailey, Darren Enslin and Steve Negus.

Saturday’s program was:

Five 15 shot matches at 1000yds. All shoots conducted with no elevation changes after sighters.

Shooter A – 2& 5 Shots Shooter A – 5 shots Shooter A – 5 shots
Shooter B – 2 & 5 Shots Shooter B – 5 shots Shooter B – 5 shots
  • Match 1: normal coached shoot, 2 x non-convertible sighters (blow off) then 2 & 15
  • Match 2: 2 & 15 shots
  • Match 3: Speed shoot- 2 sighters marked then 15 shots in 5/6 minutes not marked.
  • Match 4 and 5. Endurance 2 shooters per coach.

Sunday’s program was:

15 Shots at 800,900 and 1000 Yards

  • Match 1: normal coached shoot, 2 x non-convertible sighters (blow off) then 2 & 15
  • Match 2: 2 & 15 shots
  • Match 3: 2 & 15 shots

At the completion of this trial a High Performance (HP) squad will be selected to proceed. This will consist of:

  • 4 Coaches
  • 18 Shooters
  • 4 non travelling reserves – continue training alongside team with team barrels in case of unforeseen circumstances
  • 1 non travelling coach – continue training alongside team in case of unforeseen Circumstances

A gruelling program, but our guys were up to the challenge and did themselves proud.  Our club was well represented by them.
Now they must wait a few weeks for the NRAA approval of the team before it can be announced.

E & OE

Roseville Members Camp Out and Compete at Eugowra – 15th June 2022

Ross W, Nicholas B, Adrian B and Chris S enjoyed a long weekend in the Central West of NSW at Eugowra over the recent June long weekend.  For those who don’t know where Eugowra is – it is 35 kms east of Forbes – about 4.5 hours from Sydney.

Our Captain Adrian with Eugowra Rifle Club President Alan Noble

The welcoming hospitality of the Noble family (on whose farming land the Eugowra range sits) never ceases to amaze. It is a great family weekend away.

Saturday afternoon saw us shoot the lead up at 600 yards with a consistent 12 mph wind running across the range from 3 o’clock.   Sunday saw the arrival of shooters from far and wide for the prize shoot and the winds gust up to 14 mph – again from 3 o’clock. Total numbers were 20 shooters, which was down on previous years. 6 or 7 shooters on each of 3 targets made for quick progress over the 1×500 and 2×600 yard matches.

From all 4 Roseville shooters there were flashes of brilliance over the 2 days, but we will all admit that we were not setting the world on fire. A bright spot was Nicholas first ever competitive match at 500 yards in the OPM on Sunday where he shot a 48.4 to win the match, which was a fantastic effort for his first foray with a .308 rifle. C graders (including the writer) better look out.

Chris Sefton took at second place in each of the 600 yard matches in TRC and Adrian took out second place in the 500 yard match in TRA.

The weather was cold, but the convivial company, warm hospitality and some beverages around the clubhouse fireplace made us soon forget the temperature. I can highly recommend the Eugowra prize shoot as an enjoyable weekend and an opportunity to recharge the batteries in a friendly atmosphere.

Chris S.

Grandfather and Grand Son – Ross Webb and Nicholas Bonanni competing in the OPM on Sunday

 

Wingham OPM 2022

11 intrepid Rosevillean shooters made the trek to Wingham for their annual OPM on weekend of 10-12 June.  It was a very fine weekend – with blue skies and sunshine prevailing.   Sighting proved difficult for both scopies and TR with the targets amongst the trees and relatively poorly lit from natural light during much of the course of the weekend.

Wind was there, but I think used as more of a blame thing – overall conditions were quite good.
Our crew was as follows

TR
Pat J
Phill Hodder
Mark B
Komrad K (Dmitri)
Sam H
Tim Walter
Paul Russell
Nigel Russell
Hugo Friend

FS-A
Janet B
Micah Friend

Support Team
Phil J, Anita J.

Sam made a splash in the sweepstake on Friday pm, picking up the cash in TR-B.  The sweep for those who don’t know uses the 300m scoring surface, at 600 yds.  A middling weekend for Sam after that.

Sat
Match 1 400m:  Phill was our best places in TR-A – 5th with a 50.5.    Janet – topped the range with #1 position in match 1 with a 60.6.
Match 2:  500y: Pat was our best in TR-A – 10th with a 50.5.  Paul Russell after a stewards enquiry was reclassified from TR-C to TR-B and won the match with considerable margin with a 50.8.
Match 3: 600y: Phill again our best placed TR-A shooter with 49.7.  Paul Russell winning another match in TR-B with 50.4.  Janet again pulled out the stops to conquer FS-A with 59.8.
Day 1 Agg:  Our best TR-A young Mr Hodder just 2 down on 148.18 placing 8th.  Paul Russell 2nd in TR-B with 146.15.  Janet sitting 2nd in FS-A with 174.17.

Sun
Not sure if the hangovers were worse or better:
Match 5: 500y: Mark B slips past Phill on count back for 13th place with 50.3 in TR-A.
The “Fifty Machine” Paul Russell does it again taking TR-B with 50.5.
Match 6 600y: Pat J is our best placed TR-A with 50.3 for 10th place.  The ‘Fifty Machine’ Paul R dropped one pushing him to 4th in TR-B.  Late arrival Hugo took out TR-C with 48.5.
Match 7 600y: Pat J, Phill and Mark all hit form with 50.7s.  Placing joint 3rd and 6th respectively on countbacks.  Janet takes FS-A 1st place with a great 60.7.

Day 2 Agg:
Our leading TR-A light was Pat J – going ‘clean’ on 150.13 – for 6th
Sam improved a little on day 2 to be our highest in TR-B – but still way down the list in 7th with 143.8.  Nigel also improved with a respectable 140.9 reaching 5th in TR-C.

Grand Agg:
Phill was consistent through the weekend and finished our top TR-A shooter 6th place with 297.34.  Paul had some troubles on day 2, but finished as our top TR-B shooter on 283.22 for 8th.    Janet finished just outside the medals in the grand 347.34 for 4th place.

While many including myself were not satisfied with performance, the sunshine, no rain, and great company of fellow Rosevilleans made for a top weekend.

Full scores can be found at https://www.results.nraa.com.au/wingham-rifle-club-open-prize-meeting-2022-nsw-results/

Sam H

The NSDRA Champion of Champions 2022

The NSDRA Champion of Champions (CofC) Shoot for 2021-22 was held on 4 June 2022. That’s right – check the date, winter had arrived! Fortunately the really gusty cold days were earlier in the week, but it certainly was still much cooler for the CofC shoot than it had been last week. Less rain during the week meant the ranges had started to dry out a bit underfoot so contending with mud was not an issue – still a bit spongey though. The wind from earlier in the week was still hanging around a bit but not nearly as much as it had been on Wednesday.

Our RRC champions for the competition were:

  • TR-A – Dmitri Kazakov
  • Sporter Hunter – Rob Trodden
  • F-Std A – Dmitri Kazakov
  • F-TR – Janet Beale
  • Junior TR – Paul Russell >> Acclaimed and going straight through without needing to shoot

The RRC champions were well supported by a host of RRC people who were helping to score, doing range officer duties, helping with set up and removal of scoreboards, helping in Butts etc. And there were some RRC people on hand to just help cheer on their team-mates. This was all very much appreciated by the competitors.

You would like to think this was Hornsby and so it would be a “routine” type of shoot. Nope. The day was non-routine. Here are some examples:

  • Shooters could not park at 500m due to boggy conditions so had to walk their gear in; and while parking at 700m was technically allowed, many omitted the 700m parking for the same reason
  • At 700m, one competitor started his shoot only to find the computer system had not been adjusted (it was still showing 500m) so he had to restart his shoot
  • At 800m, the sun was shining straight into the scopes / sights so people could not see their targets at all. This caused 1 competitor to withdraw mid shoot and another to pull out of the competition altogether (note:  all our RRC competitors toughed it out).
  • There was even a protest lodged and so one competitor in SH was disqualified for having a rifle not fitting into the class’s standard.

Dmitri's scores

Dmitri’s scores

Janet's scores

Janet’s scores

So, other than Paul who was acclaimed, how did our RRC champions do? Despite the train-wreck at 800m, in the aggregate scores, our RRC competitors came home with two 1st places (Dmitri in TR and Janet in F-TR) and two second places (Rob in SH and Dmitri in F-STD). But if you look a bit more closely at the scores you will see some juicy details:

  • Dmitri came 1st in two TR details and he scored two possible…he also came 2nd in one F-STD detail,
  • Janet came 1st in three F-TR details but, due to a tied aggregate score, she only won her division by a single centre,
  • Rob came 1st in three of his SH details and he scored two possibles. But, due to a tied aggregate score, he was only 3 centres from the winning score in his division.

800m was certainly the challenge. For the record, F-Open was also won by a single centre, so, 3 of the 5 divisions were won based on centre count alone – that’s close!

Dmitri: TR-A champion

Dmitri: TR-A champion

Janet: F-TR Champion

Janet: F-TR Champion

We are immensely delighted that 3 of our RRC Champions (Dmitri, Janet and Paul) will now go on to represent our district (NSDRA) at the state Champions shoot. Congrats and good luck!

Best wishes to the other non-RRC winners Adrian Hall (F-STD), David Pearsall (F-Open) and Wu Lau (SH) who are also representing the district in their respective divisions.

The results can be found HERE

2022 District Champions

District Champions: Janet Beale (F-TR), Dmitri Kazakov (TR-A), Wu Lau (SH), David Pearsall (F-Open), Adrian Hall (F-STD)

Janet Beale

NSDRA OPM 2022

What words come to mind to sum up the North Shore District Rifle Association’s (NSDRA) Open Prize Meeting (OPM) which was held on 21/22 May at Hornsby? It certainly wasn’t words like “sunscreen”, “glare”, or “dehydration”. But how to sum it up? The following words might give you a clue:

  • Spongey ground
  • Mud
  • Gum Boots
  • No parking at 500m
  • Full sets of rain tents
  • Intermittent rain
  • Fog delays
  • Thunder
  • Attrition
  • Chipping-in to help
  • Leeches
  • Covid-positive case(s?)

Despite the weather, the event was very well organised and Roseville members (including Adrian’s children) chipped-in ensuring the competition was managed, the targets were up, Butts was manned, computer systems were operational, range officer duties were covered, the competitors & their equipment were as dry as we could make it, the competitors fed, raffle tickets were sold, prizes appropriately awarded & people photographed. NSDRA (including our Roseville members) did a great job in holding the competition despite Mother Nature’s contribution.

There were 17 competitors in the Saturday morning ISSF challenge (8 in TR and 9 in F-Class) and there were 75 competitors in the Saturday/Sunday OPM (34 in TR and 41 in F-Class/SH), but due to varying reasons, 30 of the OPM competitors did not have “full cards” meaning only 60% were present for the full 2 days / 5 details.

ISSF Challenge:

We had 5 RRC competitors in the 300m ISSF challenge (Alan, Dmitri, Eva, Christian, Kees). Congrats to Alan for coming 2nd in Target Rifle. Dmitri was hot on his tail just 1 point behind but came 4th. Both Eva and Christian went “clean” scoring 300 out of 300, but didn’t get a prize. Well done all!

OPM:

We had 11 RRC competitors in the OPM and, collectively, 22 times our RRC people came 1st/2nd/3rd in the 5 ranges with multiple Daily or Grand aggregate placings (due to class numbers they may not have all received prizes). Therefore, special mentions for the OPM as follows:

  • The number of Possibles scored: Phill (4), Alan (3), Eva (2), Dmitri (2), Sam (1), Paul (1), Janet (1)
  • Daily Aggregates: Phill (day 2 TRA: 2nd), Sam (day 1 TRB: 2nd), Paul (day 1 TRC: 2nd, day 2 TRC: 1st), Nigel (day 2 TRC: 2nd), Christian (day 1 FSB: 1st), Ross (day 1 FSB: 3rd), Janet (day 1 FTR: 2nd), Eva (day 2 FTR: 3rd),
  • Grand Aggregates: Paul (TRC: 1st), Nigel (TRC: 2nd), Ross (FSB: 2nd), Christian (FSB: 3rd), Eva (FTR: 3rd)
  • Special mention to Phill Hodder for not dropping a point over the 4 details he competed in!

With the two day competition completed, we can all say a big thanks to the RRC people and others in NSDRA for the work put in to hold this event – many of these people did not shoot so the rest of us could. We also want to thank the generous sponsors. So now we are left to wonder what next year will bring? Locusts?….

Janet Beale

2022 ANZAC Day OPM held by the Malabar

On Anzac Day, a troop of Roseville shooters travelled out to Malabar for the annul Anzac Day shooting competition. The shoot started with a small speech and minute of silence held by the Malabar club to honour the fallen soldiers.

It was two 15 & 2 shoots, with Mark Buchanan, Dmitri Kazakov and Phil Hodder not dropping a shot in the first detail.

In the second shoot with the sun setting for the last couple of shooters, who were very rushed so they could still see the targets. Dmitri was the only shooter that did not drop a shot in the detail, Adrian coming though and shooting the same score as the first detail with two 74.6. Phil and Mark doing well in the second detail, but not able to stay with the leaders.

In B grade we had the two Sam’s (Atkinson and Houston) with 71.1 and 72.6.

In C grade we had Paul & Nigel Russell and Christie Verney in her very first competition shooting 61.1

In the F standard and FTR we had Peter Walters, Robert Kozminski competing for the CLUB.

Overall, the Club achieved two third places, Dmitri shooting a 150.15 in A grade and Paul shooting 140.9 in C grade.

Nigel Russell