RIFLE SHOOTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21115, 24 February 1932, Page 14

RIFLE SHOOTING.

GOOD SCORES REGISTERED. SIMMONDS' FINE PERFORMANCE. Local marksmen experienced an ideal shooting day last week-end when the City and Akaraua Clubs used the middle ranges. H. Simmonds, the City Club champion, gave a brilliant exhibition of marksmanship in compiling an aggregate of 99. His score at 500 yds. ran 5. 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, and at 600 yds. he iiiade a "possible." Simmonds lias now joined the select few who have been within a point of a double "possible" at Penrose since the introduction of the high velocity ammunition.

H. J. Verrall, an ex-Auckland chain, pion, first gained tho distinction five years' ago at the long ranges when he dropped a point with his last shot at 900 yds. Last season W. H. Thompson finished a point down with his tenth shot at 200 yds. and then ran on a "possible" at 300 yds. Incidentally, Simmonds is the only man lo make a perfect score at any one range 1 his season, although several marksmen have scored 49.

\V. Powell, Akaraua, compiled 97 wit 11 4. 5. 5. 5. 5, 5, 5, 5. 5, 5—49. and 5, 5, 4. 5. 5, 5, 5, 4. 5, 5-48. another outstanding performance. The veteran's shooting of late has been remarkable as he has averaged 95 over the three sets of ranges in the last three weeks. P. .7. Pring, City, confirmed his return to lorm with a score of 95. Coming back with 49 from 500 yds. he was only a point down with six shots gone at the longer range and seemed likely to make a very high aggregate, but then got three "iiuiers" on end, and finished with a bulls-evc.

Tl, o .Mount Albert (Iramniar School student, li. Wakefield, who shoots with Akarana, was n point below Pring. He will be at the National Hi Ho Association meeting next month and should do well 111 the tyro grade. One of the best voting service shots in Auckland, he should make his presence felt, in the service series. Of the others Colquohoun, Thompson, Kelly and Richardson all shot well.

.Special mention should be made of two City t\ros, A. G. Hewitt and F. Bowes, both of whom made 91. The last-named dropped only one point at the closer range and may prove the "find"' c l ' the season, as this is only his third appearance.