Trap title undecided

Press, 27 March 1980, Page 38

Trap title undecided

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

I There was only one title >to be decided at the New Zealand trap shooting championships at the Yaldhurst range yesterday, but it had still to be finalised when the organisers called it a day at 6 p.m. A record entry of 464 marksmen contested the national single rise championship over 50 targets off 16m. It was obvious from the large number of shooters, that shot the possible of 25 at their first visit to the traps, that a prolonged shoot-off would be needed.

In fact, 41 competitors broke the possible 50 targets and after an additional 140 minutes, there were still six who had not missed a target

when the ceasefire was called. The event has become one of long endurance — apart from the original 50 targets broken, the six shooters still in contention have broken a further 155. They remain unbeaten on 205. The final squad of. marksmen which will continue in quest of the championship early this morning is; Jack Hedley (Otahuhu), Murray Cameron (Wellington), John Thomson (Tauranga), Tony Bradshaw (Australia). Kevin Thomson (Australia) and David Neilson (Australia). There is every prospect of a continuance of the extended competition, this morning, but John Thomson, the champion in 1966 and one of the country’s most experienced shotgun specialists, has been in good form

throughout the championships and has the temperament to match the occasion.' No juniors managed the 50 targets, but seven scored 49 and in the shoot-off, victory.went, to lan Peacocke, of Rotorua. . Two of the ,15 women competitors managed 49 breaks, and in the shoot-off, Carol Abbott (Hawke’s Bay) beat Janice Pickett (Night-1 caps), who has shot most creditably throughout the I championships. Results:— Single rise championshipjunior: lan Peacocke >Rotorual 1. Murray Mellish (Mead Te Piritai 2, John Wilkey (Woodville) 3. Women: Carol Abbott (Hawke’s Bay) t, Janice Pickett (Nightcaps) 2. Glenis Anderson (Southland) 3. Top overseas woman: Sandra May (Sunshine Coast, Australia).