Under the morning sun, ANZAC Day 2004, a reading of the Ode before a minutes silence reminded us of what ANZAC day was all about. When heads raised, “let’s do it” started what was going to be a very busy memorial event, with plenty of competitive and light hearted shooting. Pistol and Rifle working side by side had something for everybody, evident by the tremendous roll up of 51 shooters. This small but close knit branch, with its tireless volunteers, has again done the SSAA discipline proud.
Shooters from Victoria to the borders of NSW met at the notoriously windy range which presented itself in a way most shooters much prefer to shoot in – Sun and a nice breeze with very comfortable temperatures. This typically picturesque range has been ravaged by drought recently but again, the Armidale branch prepared the facility the best that any branch could under the conditions.
Every SSAA member or casual shooter is encouraged to make Armidale every year to be part of this very important occasion. With door prizes, trophies, competitor gifts up for grabs, and enough shooting to pacify the most avid shooter, we are hopeful this event doubles it’s numbers in 2005.
Of course, these events are made easy to roll up and participate when all the hard work is done. Peter Szacsvay and Brett Norton organised the matches, the lovely Megan Wheeler and Bruce Reeves managed the notoriously difficult job of keeping the scores, while Norm Wheeler wore his shoes out by quietly and professionally ensured safety on the range. Miranda and Richard Drozdowski kept the hungry tummies under control. Our hats are off to you all.
Beyond the ANZAC Day Memorial event, this was also the NSW GP Round 5 for 2004, and we have really got a championship on our hands. This event is about to eclipse the participation of 2003 with still 4 rounds to go. It is NOT too late to get involved as each shooter only has to compete in 3 events to qualify. Either way, even attending only a single round for the experience will be a great opportunity for any shooter, and everybody is encouraged to do so.
Again, a final thankyou to the travellers who make running an event like this all worth while. This really is a great sport.
ANZAC & GP5 Pistol Top Guns Results:
CLASS 1/2 Phil Harris, John Triggs, Kerry Benson, Robert Irving, Nick Abrahall, Malcom Hill
CLASS 3 Evelyn Tobin, Dick Lord, Keith Barlow, Wal Cameron, Grant Barlow, Alan Tobin
CLASS 4 Robert Irving, Wal Cameron, David Waters, Dick Lord, Grant Barlow, Dick Bennett
ANZAC Rifle Results:
Anzac Shield SMLE Fred Meyer, Garry Bashford, Wal Cameron
ALLIES Rob Irving, Rob Richards, Phil Harris
AXIS Peter Barnier, Greg Mills-Thom, Nick Abrahall
Open Top Guns Peter Barnier, Greg Mills-Thom, Nick Abrahall, David Waters, Dean Dewhurst, Rob Irving
GP 5 Master Peter Barnier, David Waters, Nick Abrahall
A Greg Mills-Thom, Rob Irving, Ian Brown
B Dean Dewhurst, Jason Watson, Richard Ottery
C Kerry Benson, Ken Burrell, Michael O’connor
Open Top Guns Peter Barnier, Greg Mills-Thom, David Waters, Nick Abrahall, Dean Dewhurst, Rob Irving
Dads Army Matches Top Guns
Martini Cadet David Waters, Greg Mills-Thom, Brian Haynes
Optical Sniper Peter Barnier, Dean Dewhurst, Nick Abrahall
Std Iron Silhouette Peter Barnier, Greg Mills-Thom, Dean Dewhurst
Mod Iron Silhouette Brian Haynes, Marcus O’Dean, Jeff Genn
Optical Silhouette Robert Irving, David Waters, Nick Abrahall
Happy Snaps
