RIFLE SHOOTING

Evening Star, Issue 19795, 20 February 1928, Page 14

RIFLE SHOOTING

AUSTRALIANS AT TRENTHAM WELLINGTON WINS TEAMS' MATCH [Pbb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 19. The visiting New South Wales and Victorian riflemen were yesterday given an unofficial introduction to the TTcntbam range and an informal welcome from representatives of the 'Wellington and Wairarapa lliflo Associations. The afternoon was devoted to tho firing of a teams’ match of ten men aside, the visitors putting in a team from each State, while Wairarapa sent down a hot and enthusiastic combination, and Wellington city and suburban clubs put in three teams. The weather was fine, but very warm, and there was just enough left of a rear wind of a fishtail character to keep ail hands, but especially the men new to Trentham, working hard. Of some it may even be suggested that at times they were engaged in plain unadulterated “guessing” as to the elusive breeze’s gambol lings and variations. The New South Welshmen wore at a disadvantage in that they reached Trentham in the morning and had time to get in only very little practice before the match. The Victorians were in better case, as they had been camped a couple of days at Trentham, and were warm in their praises of the treatment accorded them by tho defence authorities and the assistance given by Captain H. H. Whyte, who placed every facility for practice at their disposal. Before the match began Mr W. J. H. Haase, president of the Wellington Association, and Mr J. F. Thompson, president of the Wairarapa Association, briefly welcomed the visitors, promising them a. good time and wishing them the best of luck, Mr Thompson adding a warning, however, that the local men expected to do to them what certain other Australian visitors were doing to New Zealand representatives in Alio cricket field at that time.

The shooting then began at 300yds range, seven shots. Wairarapa finished up with an aggregate of 318, nine points ahead of the Victorians, who were one point ahead of the Welling >n No. 1 team. Wairarapa repeated its total at the 300, yds range and retained its lead, but by only a single point from Wellington No. 1, who put together 327. The Vietorinns fell back a bit, being overhauled by Wellington N0..2. The-600yds saw Wellington'No. 1 pull two on the Wairarapa men and win the match by a single point, the Victorians being next 30 points away. The NewSouth Welshmen, no doiibt owing to the handicap already indicated, found themselves forming the rearguard. Eric Ballinger, the well-known Petone Club man, put on the best indi vidual shoot—3s—33—34—102. The next best was G. Bruce, Victoria—32— 34—34—100. Thesq were the only ones to notch scores of ]0() or over. Results :

Wellington No. I—3ooyds, .303; 500yds, 327; 600yds, 312; total, 947. Wairarapa—3lß, 318, 310; total, 946. ’ Victoria—3o9, 306. 301; total. 916. Wellington No. 3—300, 310, 302; total, 912.

Wellington No. 2—307, 315, 289; total, 911.

New South Wales—3ol, 309, 280 total, 890,