RIFLE SHOOTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23284, 1 March 1939, Page 17

RIFLE SHOOTING

MEETING AT TRENTHAH DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS CITY CLUB'S STRONG TEAM Conditions at Penrose last Saturday were very similar to those often met with during the national meeting, the wind being fairly strong, with quick changes in direction which caught many of the competitors napping. Scoros generally were low in both clubs, although the leaders on the day performed with credit. H. Simmonds maintained his winning form to score 93, and it is doubtful if he has ever shot better during the past few years than at present. A sterling performance went to the credit of F. Bowes, who, after a poor score at 800 yds., ran on 49 with the inner for his sixth shot at 900.

The City Club will have an exceptionally strong team at the national fixture, which opens at Trentham tomorrow. Considerable interest will be taken in the service teams match. The City selectors were unable to decide which fivo of the leading six men should take their places in the A team, so lots were drawn by the three oldest men, with the result that C. J. M. Clark will now Bhoot in the second five. In the A team are H. Simmonds, one of the best service shots ever seen in the country, D. F. Pcrrin, the present holder of the title, who is shooting as well as ever, A. G. Devore, a former title-holder, I. J. Spry, the present holder of the Auckland title, and F. Bowes, who is showing real ability as a service marksman. In the B team are C. J. M. Clark, who has an outstanding record, and H. Judkins, a former titleholder, while other dependable marksmen are 11. C. Russell, T. L. Blomfield and A. W. Harris, the latter a lefthanded shot. Given reasonable weather, four or five from the club should reach the final.

In the bolt scries, much depends on the conditions, as the Aucklanders are unable to cope with the heavy winds which aro so frequently experienced at Trontham. In a light, tricky wind they should have little difficulty in shooting as well as any of the southern competitors. The experienced men are H. Simmonds, F. Bowes, 11. Judkins, A. W. Harris, C. J. M. Clark, A. G. Devote. 1?. C. Russell, I. J. Spry and A. G. Robertson.