MINIATURE RIFLES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 281, 8 September 1938, Page 2

MINIATURE RIFLES.

THE SMALL BORE CLUBS. (By; “Rimfire”). The Ashburton County’s representative team’s victory over the Ellesmere team was by no means a sunprise. Although it was purely a representative team, it was by no means the strongest side the County could produce. The selectors’ job at any time, is not a pleasant one, but I am of the opinion that the strongest side, irrespective of club representation, should be the first duty of the selectors. The scores go to show that the standard of shooting in the Ashburton County compares more than favourably with that of other associations. The most interesting Shield match of this season was shot on the Rakaia range recently, against Methven. The scores, 628 against 626 in Rakaia’s favour, discloses a very high standard of markmanship in both clubs. Rakaia withstood every challenge for the Shield last year and so far has clone the same this year. Methven were unlucky to put on a score of 626 and be beaten. Although shooter’s luck dogged both teams, Methven had more than their share. W. Lumsden’s 77 with a 7 being worthy of mention. M. Holland’s and G. Paris, 80’s were countered by 80’s from H. Cromie and D. Stewart (Rakaia). These scores are full of merit, for they were got under match conditions. Scores of 79 came from H. Cray and T. Duncan (Rakaia) and from H. Noble and G. Waddington (Methven). Both teams had to count in a 76, which, in my: opinion, should not he. The next Shield challenge is from Ashburton. Although this club suffered a. set back in the loss of Ivoir, Clark, Ti nman, Millichamp and Co., they have now a club strong enough to lift the Shield. Their team of four men won the County teams match with only three points down and they have only to repeat that performance at Rakaia and the shield is sure to change hands. The Shield has done much to promote the interests of rifle shooting in this County and the next best, thing to promote more interest would be for Ashburton to lift it. “Rimfire” wishes them the best of luck.