Extra incentive for provincial marksmen

Press, 9 November 1984, Page 15

Extra incentive for provincial marksmen

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A Brisbane Commonwealth Games representative two years ago, Whiteman led the South Island to a convincing win over the touring Great Britain team last summer and, when in top form, is a difficult man to beat.

There is sure to be an extra edge to competition at the Canterbury fullbore shooting championships, which will be held at the West Melton range tomorrow and on Sunday. The probable inclusion of the present New Zealand champion, Peter Cromwell, from Auckland, in the field should provide the perfect incentive for Canterbury’s leading marksmen.

Cromwell overcame demanding conditions at Trentham last January to win the coveted Ballinger Belt at the national championships. His final score of 527.47 left him over two points clear of Peter Newman, from Upper Hutt. For Cromwell, who was then competing for the Cheltenham club in Feilding, it was the fourth time he had made the Queen’s 50, those who qualify for the

final shoot-off for New Zealand’s most prestigious shooting prize. His previous best effort had been fourth in 1980. Four other marksmen who qualified in the Queen’s 50 last January will be at West Melton to test the champion’s mettle. One is the defending Canterbury champion, John Whiteman, who has established himself as one of New Zealand’s outstanding fullbore exponents.

DAVID LEGGAT

The experienced Malvern rifleman, Geoff Smith, and John Dodson, from Blenheim, are past Canterbury champions deserving of attention. John Cameron, of Ashburton, is another who is sure to be handy to the leaders.

A former Ballinger Belt winner, Dinny Collings, from Karori, is expected to take part, while Geoff Smith’s older brother, Lindsay, Morrie Callaghan, of Westport, and Chris Bensemann, of Christchurch, are others who can be relied upon to turn in solid performances. Bensemann showed he is in good touch with an impressive win in the Marlborough championships recently.