Archive for 2025
Townsville. May 2025
May 26th, 2025 | 
Author: In May, the North Queensland Rifle Association’s (NQRA) Kings and lead-up “Wilson” event was followed by the F-Class teams event. These were shot just outside of Townsville at the Hervey’s Range Shooting Complex. Townsville in North Queensland is a long trek from Roseville – some 2000 km. Driving takes a couple of days, or the alternative is flying with your rifle but that still means someone has to drive your ammo up (you can’t fly with too many rounds). But what is it like to be there? We are talking snake country – check out the sign! 
And of course a stray cow or two had to be ushered off the shooting range at the odd time. It was sunny and warm at one of the prettiest rifle ranges – it has a mountain as a fairly awesome and solid stop-butt. Best part about being there was being away from the Sydney rain!
Due to the F-class teams event following the NQRA Kings, there were a lot of entries in the Kings >> Target Rifle = 26, F-Standard = 42, F-Open = 53, F-TR = 34, Sporter Open = 17. So all up 172 competitors – quite a good turn out.
In the Lead-up and Kings, Roseville’s sole competitor was Mark Buchanan. He did us proud clocking up 7 possibles 
(50 out of 50) in the sunny warm conditions over the 5 days. For the leadup, “the Wilson”, Mark’s best detail was a strong 50-7 but it was hard to beat Steve Negus who scored 50-10 on that particular detail. It was a very tight competition, and after the two Lead-up days, Mark was only 2 points behind the winner Steve Negus. Well fought Mark; maybe next time. In the Kings, Steve Negus again prevailed – but Mark showed his mettle with some very good shooting. The Hexta target systems was a solid performer, too bad the tablets at the mound struggled in the warm sunshine – but that issue was resolved.
In the F-Class teams event, Janet Beale was the only Roseville competitor (but quite a few friends from the Hornsby range in the other NSW teams). In this competition, Janet was shooting F-Standard. Janet’s best shoot was a 90-10 at 700m on day 2 which helped her to become the top scorer for the team on Day 2. Alas, the Queensland F-Standard team coached by Andrew McKillop was just too strong leaving the rest of the field in the dust. The NSW F-Open team had their turn on the podium (Go the Blues!). The NSW F-TR team performed strongly but no podium finish. Team shooting is just that – it is a team – so while every individual does what they can, there is no “I” in TEAM. Maybe NSW will clinch it next time? Roseville has some strong F-class shooters so lets see what the future holds.
Janet Beale
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Tasmanian Championships 2025
Mark, Sam, and Tim attended the Tasmanian Championships at Campbell Town Rifle Range conducted from 6 to 10 March 2025.
Life Member Mike Hodder also attended and all four stayed in accommodation organized by Sam two minutes’ drive from the rifle range. Phill Hodder was shooting with his new club, Strahan, and camped on the range. Mark and Sam competed in both days of the lead-up Tiger Cup Series while Tim arrived on Thursday afternoon and only shot Day 2.
On Thursday night, Phill hosted us to a barbeque outside his tent on the range where we had a hearty meal.
The Tiger Cup Series.
| Shooter | 500 Yards | 600 Yards | 700 Yards | 800 Yards | 900 Yards | 1000 Yards | AGG | Place |
| Mark | 49.6 | 48.4 | 47.4 | 48.4 | 50.6 – 2nd | 46.3 | 288.27 | 4th |
| Phill | 50.7 – 1st A | 48.5 | 43.1 | 49.2 | 50.5 | 46.3 | 286.23 | 6th |
| Sam | 50.6 – 1st B | 41.3 | 42.2 | 44.4 | 50.6 – 1st B | 44.1 – 2nd B | 271.22 – 3rd B | 3rd – B |
| Tim | – | – | – | – | 48.4 | 39.2 | 87.6 | – |
Match 8 was the 1000 Yard Championship.
Mark won A Grade with Phill second. Sam deciding to take a breather.
| Shooter | Score | Place |
| Mark | 72.6 1st A Grade | 1st -A |
| Phill | 72.2 2nd A Grade | 2nd – A |
| Tim | 50.0 | 3rd – B |
On Friday night we hosted Phill at our digs for dinner cooked by Sam.
Our accommodation was perfect apart from being about 10 feet from the main road from Launceston to Hobart. Heavy traffic noise was incessant throughout the night until after about 2.00am, especially for Mike and Tim who had rooms closest to the road. Sam found the wall between him and Mark’s room inadequate to stifle Mark’s snoring, however from Friday night, the traffic miraculously stopped, unlike Mark’s snoring!
Saturday saw the start of the Kings Prize and the scores were as follows.
Day 1.
| Shooter | 500 Yards | 500 Yards | 600 Yards | 600 Yards | Aggregate |
| Mark | 50.4 | 49.3 | 42.2 | 47.3 | 188.12 |
| Phill | 50.7 -3rd A | 50.6 | 48.2 | 46.3 | 194.18 |
| Sam | 48.2 | 50.4 – 1st B | 45.4 | 42.0 | 185.10 – 3rd B |
| Tim | 49.4 -2nd B | 47.4 | 45.0 | 39.1 | 180.9 |
On Saturday night we headed 15 minutes down the road to the Ross Hotel for dinner with other shooters in attendance.
Day 2.
| Shooter | 700 Yards | 700 Yards | 800 Yards | 800 Yards | Aggregate |
| Mark | 49.5 | 49.4 | 50.5 – 2nd A | 49.4 | 197.18 – 1st A |
| Phill | 48.5 | 46.5 | 48.2 | 50.2 – 2nd A | 192.14 |
| Sam | 47.1 – 3rd B | 37.0 | 47.4 – 2nd B | 45.1 | 176.6 |
| Tim | 47.2 – 2nd B | 41.1 | 42.1 | 48.3 – 1st B | 178.7 -3rd B |
On Sunday night we all had dinner at the range as everything closes in Campbell Town on a Sunday night. The roast lamb prepared by the Ladies was delicious.
Mark celebrated his win in the Second Stage A Grade and Tim was happy to win the second 800 Yards Match and finish 3rd in B Grade given his awful scores in the middle!
Day 3.
| Shooter | 900 Yards | 1000 Yards | Aggregate |
| Mark | 49.8 | 48.3 | 97.11 |
| Phill | 50.8 -1st A | 49.3 – 3rd A | 99.11 – 1st A |
| Sam | 48.3 – 3rd B | 43.3 – 3rd | 91.6 – 2nd B |
| Tim | 47.2 | 41.2 | 88.4 |
Phill turned in a fine performance to win the Day 3 Aggregate with 99.11, Mark being a little unlucky to drop an inner at 900 Yards for his 9th shot after a blistering start.
Kings Aggregate.
| Shooter | Kings Aggregate | Place |
| Mark | 482.31 | 6th A |
| Phill | 485.33 | 4th A |
| Sam | 452.22 | 3rd B |
| Tim | 446.20 | 5th B |
Grand Aggregate.
| Shooter | Grand Aggregate | Place |
| Mark | 770.68 | 5th – A |
| Phill | 771.66 | 4th – A |
| Sam | 723.45 | 3rd – B |
The King’s Prize was won by Mark Wilson from Bungendore Rifle Club with 490.33 who shot solidly throughout the meeting. Well done Mark!
Following the presentation, Mark, Sam, and Mike travelled up to Phill’s place to check out his new home while Tim headed to the airport.
Overall, we all had some successes, and we all enjoyed the meeting.
We all hope to shoot the Championships again next year and to stay in the same digs.
Book it again please Sam!
Cheers, Tim Walter.
NSW Veterans Triumph at Australian Teams Competition!
The Belmont Shooting Complex in sunny Queensland bore witness to an incredible display of marksmanship and teamwork on October 14 and 15, as the Australian Veterans Teams Competition unfolded. In the Target Rifle (TR) category, New South Wales Veterans fielded not one but two formidable teams – the NSW TR Veterans Gold Team and the NSW TR Veterans Blue Team. The results were nothing short of spectacular!
Under clear skies and challenging winds, both teams fired with precision and determination, battling against strong opposition from Queensland and Victoria. When the final shots were tallied, it was the NSW Blue Team that emerged victorious, claiming the top honors with an outstanding score of 1341 points and 117 centres. Not far behind, the NSW Gold Team proudly secured second place with 1320 points and 99 centres, completing a dominant performance for New South Wales.
The Champions: NSW TR Veterans Blue Team
- Shooters: Scott Brindley, Jim Jeffery, Neil Gibbins, Michael Chad, and Jim Bailey.
- Wind Coach: Steve Williams.
This team proved unstoppable, with Michael Chad delivering a masterclass in marksmanship. His score of 273.022 earned him the title of Best Shooter in the competition. Supported by the steady hands and sharp eyes of his teammates, the Blue Team’s victory was well-deserved. Special mention must go to Steve Williams, whose wind coaching was a pivotal factor in their success.
The Second Place Contenders: NSW TR Veterans Gold Team
- Shooters: Richard Jones, Bill Ballantyne, Alistair Williams, Ken Young, Alan Patrick.
- Wind Coach: Mark Bunt.
The Gold Team gave their all, achieving an impressive second place and ensuring NSW’s dominance on the podium. As Squad Captain and Gold Team Captain, Alan Patrick’s consistent shooting earned him a spot among the top three individual performers with a score of 268.024, highlighting the depth of talent within the team. Wind Coach Mark Bunt, renowned for his unique coaching style, was instrumental in maximizing the team’s performance.
Top Individual Performances:
- Michael Chad (273.022) – NSW Blue
- Jim Jeffery (269.024) – NSW Blue
- Alan Patrick (268.024) – NSW Gold
A Battle of Strategy and Skill The competition showcased not only the exceptional skill of the shooters but also the strategic brilliance of the coaches. Both Steve Williams and Mark Bunt navigated the unpredictable winds with expertise, providing guidance that made all the difference in the tightest of matches.
The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all teams added to the event’s success, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and mutual respect. The NSW Veterans’ performance exemplified the value of experience and teamwork, leaving an indelible mark on the competition.
Looking Ahead With this stellar performance, New South Wales has firmly established itself as the team to beat in the veterans’ category. As the teams head home, plans are already in motion for next year’s competition, where they will aim to defend their titles and continue their legacy of excellence.
Congratulations to the NSW TR Veterans Blue and Gold Teams for their remarkable achievements and for making their state proud. Here’s to more bullseyes and centre shots in the future!
Alan Patrick
