Pistol record broken

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 32

Pistol record broken

A national record in the air-pistol section was the highlight of the South Island pistol-shooting championships at McLean’s Island at the week-end. Rex Hamilton (Auckland) broke the existing record of 378 points, held by a fellow Auckland marksman, Barry Wickens, when he gained 380 points. The 1974 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Bruce McMillan (Heretaunga), predictably won the rapid-fire section from Barry O’Neill (Heretaunga). The Dunedin shooter, Garth Deber, finished third. The free-pistol section was won, for the first time, by the Christchurch marksman, Chris Smith. Smith headed off several fancied competitors in the class, including Dick Weston (Palmerston North) and Murray Trowbridge (Christchurch), with 523 points on a countback. Brian Hardy (Palmerston North) won the standard-pis-tol section from O’Neill and Peter Muller (Nelson), with a score of 535. O’Neill had a particularly successful week-end. He finished second in the rapidfire and standard-pistol competitions and won the centre-fire section for the first time. He fought off the challenge of last year’s winner, Reg Ferguson (Wanganui), to gain a surprise win over highly respected opponents with a score of 562. Weston won the air-rifle section from two Christchurch shooters, Len Smith and Gavin McKay. His score was 336. Lynda Trowbridge had an easy win in the women’s match. She was the only entrant. Results: — Rapid fire: B. McMillan (Heretaunga), 581 points, 1; B. O’Neill (Heretaunga) 2, G. Deber (Dunedin) 3. Free pistol: C. Smith (Christchurch) 523, 1. D. Weston (Palmerston North) 2. B. Wickens (Auckland) 3. Standard pistol: B. Hardy (Palmerston North) 535, 1, O’Neill 2, P. Muller (Nelson) 3. Centre-fire: O’Neill, 592, 1; R. Ferguson (Wanganui) 2, Muller 3. Air pistol: R. Hamilton (Auckland) 380 (New Zealand record) 1, N. Hayes (Heretaunga) 2, Weston 3. Air rifle: Weston, 336, 1, L. Smith (Christchurch) 2, G. McKay (Christchurch) 3. Women’s match: L. Trowbridge (Christchurch) 523, 1.