Entries Pick up but Weather Doesn't !
While the number of entries continues to rise as we all work our way out of Covid, the weather had different ideas! The previous week had been warm and sunny but the weather closed in for the weekend of the shoot with temperatures dropping to single figures with overnight frosts.
Some regular competitors couldn't make it but the number of entrants was still higher than last September as new faces appeared at the club along with some friends from previous years. Class A looked like it would be interesting with several notable candidates going up against East Grinstead's top shots.
The weather took a bit of a toll as several competitors noted that feeling the trigger was a bit of challenge with occasional shots being released unintentionally. It's at these times when you are grateful that your natural point of aim works to your advantage and only one or two points are dropped! The occasional breeze also helped to keep the concentration levels high as shooters worked at overcoming the conditions.
In the main Double Dewar competition comprising two targets at both 50 metres and 100 yards, winner of Class ‘A’ Sue Norman of Tunbridge Wells TSC scored a magnificent 787 ex 800. This was only 4 points off the record 791 achieved in 2019 and was a significant achievement given the weather conditions. Sue also won the Ladies competition with a score of 394 ex 400. Runner up in Class ‘A’ wasTrevor Wilde of East Grinstead TSC with a score of 784. David White of East Grinstead TSC squeaked into third place on count back with a score of 780. Class ‘B’ was won by Dave Panchaud of Croydon R&PC scoring 764. Dave also won the Single Dewar, 40 shots at 50m, and 40 shots at 100yds. Class 'C' was won by Callum Davis of Tunbridge Wells TSC who also won the 40 shots at 50m and Junior competitions.
In the Veterans’ Dewar, Dave Swain of Bedford Rifle Club won with a score of 393 ex400, narrowly beating his fellow club member John Duguid who scored 392! The Pairs and Team of Three competitions all went the way of East Grinstead TSC with David White and Trevor Wilde winning the Open Pairs and the Team of Three with Malcolm Brain. C&D Pairs was won by husband and wife team Marie and Grant Featherstone.
The cold weather also resulted in a reasonable demand for bacon rolls and other refreshments to be enjoyed in EGTSC’s comfortable Club House. Fruit, cake, and chocolate were also available.
Feedback
Unfortunately, the website doesn't allow comments from visitors but we did receive quite a few verbal comments regarding the new online shop, which went live during lockdown, being smart and easy to use. While we configured it and input all the data, the shop itself comes free from SquareUp.com who also provide our card payment services.
Future Competitions
East Grinstead will be hosting a further two Open Shoots shortly; the Eastbourne & District Small-bore Rifle League’s Thwaites Competition on Sunday 8th May, and the Sussex County Rifle meeting on Sunday 12 June.
Photos
Final preparations with the new flag going up! (Photo: M Kettle)
Competitors changing targets.(Photo: M Kettle)
Display of Trophies (Photo: Richard Wilson)
Detail Change (Photo: Mike Kettle)
The infamous bacon butty! (Photo: Richard Wilson)
(Report: M Kettle)
