With two named storms hitting the British Isles 23-25 October, conditions for the final weekend of the year's shooting were going to be difficult.
As it turned out, the 900 and 1,000 yard practice day on Friday 23 October was cancelled. With torrential rain in the morning and very strong winds, risk of damage to targets, and keeping markers safe, the NRA(UK) closed Bisley’s Stickledown Range.
On Saturday 24 October we had two 600 yard events: the Rigby Cup (percussion Free Rifle) and the Whitworth Cup (hexagonally bored Whitworth rifles only).
The Rigby Cup match was held during the mostly dry weather window in the morning. Light was dull, and the moderate wind tended to drop off suddenly or pick up slightly. Nonetheless, the result was remarkably close, with four shooters vying for the top place, all scoring 60! V-bulls were used to sort the ranking, then count-back resolved the top place, which went to Rob Groot.
That
we managed to hold a match in the morning was a relief; however, with rain and
increasing wind, only a few elected to shoot in the afternoon.
Just three competed for the Whitworth Cup, while another three used the opportunity to practise. Ben Greftenhuis won the match.
We
concluded the weekend with our Annual Dinner at the London & Middlesex
Rifle Association, which everyone enjoyed. The evening also featured
prize-giving for the Branch competitions and the MLAGB mid- and long-range
National Championship matches held through the year.
Members headed home on Sunday, with journeys throughout the UK, plus to Jersey, France and the Netherlands.
Link: Rigby Cup & Whitworth Cup Results
