RIFLE SHOOTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23272, 15 February 1939, Page 20

RIFLE SHOOTING

BRILLIANCY OF SIMMONDS THREE POSSIBLES RECORDED Those who were fortunate to be on the Penrose range last Saturday witnessed one of the most brilliant feats of markmanship ever seen locally when H. Simmonds achieved the distinction of making the triple seven-shot possible at 300, 500 and 600 yards. It is generally acknowledged that a ten-shot double range possible is easier than a possible of 105 made over three ranges when the marksman has to get set on three occasions, and consequently the latter score is very rare. In fact, none among the collection of experienced riflemen at. Penrose on Saturday had seen this score previously.

Conditions were fair as far as wind changes were concerned, but a varying ligh.t presented some difficulty to most. It is doubtful if Simmonds has ever been in better form than at present, and he should make his presence felt at the national fixture to be held at Trentham at the beginning of next month.

F. Bowes also shot exceptionally well for 102, two elevation shots at 300 yards and! one at 500 yards being within an iincli or two of the bull-ring. Several of the other local men on trial for the provincial team shot solidly, although well below the standard set by the two already mentioned.

Those not chosen lor trial shot at 500 and 600 yards, the veteran Citv clubman A. J. Pieterson shooting the possible at 500 yards, this being the 13th club possible this season. A particularly fine effort was made by the junior Bruce George in compiling 97, his card reading: 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5—49, and 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5—48. There should bo a brilliant future before this lad. J. Seward also shot splendidly at 600 yards lor 49 with an eight-bull finish.

The final* trial for the provincial team was held at Matamata and the sole selector, C. J. M. Clark, who will coach the team of ten in conjunction with R. C, Russell, now has the unenviable task of dropping some of the nominees. Those who are assured of inclusion are N. C. Rollett, of Te Kuiti, L. Palmer, of Otorohanga, F. Bowes, H. Judkinsi, H. Si'mmonds and R. F. Wakefield, from the Auckland clubs, and probably one man from North Auckland. The remaining three will be chosen from D. Reynolds, of Matamata, T. L. Blomfield, A. G. Devore, D. Calder, A. W. Harris, D. F. Perrin and 1. J. Spry. The prize meeting which was scheduled to be held at Matamata on January 30, and which was postponed on account of the weather, will be decided at the week-end. As the programme caters especially for novice shots a good attendance is expeccel. Shooting in the province, especially among the country clubs, should improve considerably from now on, particularly in view of the complete rout of the experienced marksmen at the recent Auckland and Kaitaia meetings.