RIFLE SHOOTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22543, 7 October 1936, Page 22

RIFLE SHOOTING

CLUB COMPETITIONS BEST AGGREGATE TO C. CLARK Favoured with excellent shooting conditions the local riflemen had a great day at Penrose last Saturday. The benefit of having the targets elevated slightly and turned into the sun was very apparent and, with a steady wind and fairly regular light, a large percentage of the competitors reached 90 or better. C. J. M Clark, of City, had top score, comprising a "possible" at 500 yds, and 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4—46 at 600vds —an excellent aggregate. Best known as a service marksman, Clark has started the new season well and he may do better than usual in club shootipg, «n which he seldom shows his best form. S. C. Parkinson, of City, was next with 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4—48 and 5, 5. 4, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5—47. One of the younger shots, Parkinson is a very fine all-rounder, being fourth in his club championship last season as well as runner-up in the service championship. On present indications he will make his presence felt again this year. W. Colquhoun, of Akarana, als?o returned an aggregate of 95, his scores being 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5—49 and 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5—46. The veteran ex-Auckland champion is showing exceptional form so far and he may easily regain club honours.

E. J. C. Reston scored 94 with 5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5—47 and 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4—47, which gave him second place in his club, J. JonesParry being the only other to return a high score. Three of the Citv members, in J. Buchanan, I. J. Spry and T. L. Blomfiekl, were only seven points down on the day, the two first-named securing 47 at the longer range. A feature of the shooting was the remarkable improvement shown by several of the juniors, who were responsible for soino excellent scores, considering their age. It, is obvious that the coaching given to tho younger marksmen last season is having its effect. It is yet too early in tho season to form an opinion as to how the local club championships will result, but both appear more open than for some years. F. Bowes won the City title last season with tho bare number of shoots required for the aggregate, and this fine marksman will be difficult to beat again. H. Simmonds, A. Harris and S. C. Parkinson will be his strongest rivals

Tho Akarana competitors are an even lot and, with the system in use of counting a limited number of single range shoots for the aggregate, the rifleman who can produce occasional brilliant scores is tho one most likely to win tho coveted honour. J. G. JonesParry is the only young shot outside R. Wakefield who is likely to trouble the older competitors, but the championship is sure to bo as keenly contested as in past years.