Beekeeper with a full-bore sting

Press, 15 July 1978, Page 12

Beekeeper with a full-bore sting

By

ROD DEW

Four years ago, a Hastings beekeeper, Maurie Gordon, became the first New Zealander to win a gold medal in the shooting at the Commonwealth Games. And he did it in the “blue riband” shooting event — the 7.62 mm fullbore rifle contest for the Queen’s Prize — with a magnificent performance in the fickle winds at West Melton. Now 51 and as con-

sistent as ever he was, Gordon is one of two fullbore rifle shooters who will represent New Zealand in the Edmonton Commonwealth Games next month. The other is John Hastie, also from Hastings, who will be competing at this level for the first time. Whether Gordon can repeat his gold medal performance remains to be seen but there is no doubt that both he and Hastie are medal prospects. Gordon is among New Zealand’s most experienced international competitors. He first represented New Zealand at Commonwealth level in the Jamaica Games, finishing a worthy sixth. But he was shooting for New Zealand long before that. The first time was 25 years ago, the year he won the long-range Bisley aggregate. He has won the Ballinger Belt three times and has been runner-up four times, including this year. Perhaps it is a coincidence but he finished runner-up in the national championship the year he won his Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Last year, Gordon made a private trip to Bisley. He finished eighth in a field of more than 1200. It was a fine performance. Gordon is at his best over the two longest ranges, 900 and 1000 yards. These are the last to be contested and if he can qualify for the final he must stand an excellent chance of winning a medal. Because the full-bore shooting requires a range of 1000yds and a safety barrier of 2000yds. this event will not be held in Edmonton. The Sarcee Range, a Canadian Forces

base near Calgary, 300 km south of Edmonton, has been chosen as the venue. However, being divorced from the main area of games competitions is hardly likely to upset the seasoned Gordon. He and Hastie also have an experienced shooter to support them. Ben Hoban, of Culverden, is the assistant manager .of the shooting section but his main concern will be the full-bore shooters. He is a former New Zealand representative and currently a New Zealand selector. His intimate knowledge of the sport will be a decided asset to the full-bore medal quest.