RIFLE SHOOTING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20337, 20 February 1928, Page 10

RIFLE SHOOTING.

BIG MEETING AT TRENTHAM. THE TEAMS’ MATCH. WON BY WELLINGTON No. 1 TEAM. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 10. The visiting New South Wales and Victorian riflemen were yesterday given an unofficial introduction to the Trentham range and an informal welcome from representatives of the Wellington and Wairarapa Rifle Associations. The afternoon was devoted to the firing of a teams’ match of 10 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 line, but very warm, and there was just enough left of a rear wind of a fishtail character to keep all hands, but especially men new to Trentham, working bard Of some it may even be suggested that at times they were engaged in plain unadulterated “ guessing”’as to the elusive breeze's gambollings and variations. The New South Welshmen were at a disadvantage in that the/ reached Trentham in the morning and had time to get in only very little practise before the match. r l he 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 the defence authorities and the assistance given by Captain 11. 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 the cricket field at this time. The shooting then began at the 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 Wellington No. 1 team. Wairarapa repeated its total at the 500yds range and retained its lead, but by only a single point from Wellington No. 1, who put together 327. The Victorians fell back a bit, being overhauled by Wellington No. 2. The 600yds saw Wellington No. 1 f>u!l two on the Wairarapa men and win the match by a single point, the Victorians being next 30 points away. The New South Welshmen, no doubt owing to the handicap already indicated, found themselves forming the rearguard. Eric Ballinger, the well-known" Petone Club man, put on the best individual shoot —33 —35 —34 —102. The next best was G. Bruce, Victoria—32—34—34—loo. These were the only ones to notch scores of 100 or over. Results: —

Wellington No. I—3ooyds, 308; 500yds, 327; 000yds, 312;—total, 047. Wairarapa—3lß, 318, 310; —946. Victoria —300, 306, 301; —910. Wellington No. 3—300, 310. 302;—912. Wellington No. 2—307, 315, 289; —911. Now South Wales—3ol, 309, 280;—890.