News

Geoff Willis wins fourth state championships

          In some of the most difficult wind conditions experienced for some time in Sydney, local rifle club member, Geoff Willis, won his fourth state title with the championships being held on Malabar rifle range last weekend. His previous three titles have been in the F Class Standard category, which allows for shooting off a heavy rest, but this time Geoff elected to compete in F Class Target Rifle, in which only a light bipod is allowed.

          Competition was held over three days and nine matches from 500m to 800m. The maximum value “6 ring” measures 125mm at 500m and 250mm at 800m. Wind conditions were constantly changing and at times completely switched sides.

          The first day started in rain to also add to the difficulty. Geoff jumped straight to the lead, shooting a magnificent 207.17 from a possible 210 points. Jeff Eppleston, also from Bathurst, was only 2 points behind, on 205.13 and in fourth place.

          On day 2, Willis had more difficulty with the conditions. His score of 231.12 out of 240 dropped him to second place, 2 points behind Garry Faulkner from Sydney, who shot a brilliant 237.15. Eppleston also slipped, shooting 224.11, and dropping to seventh.

          The final two matches were both shot from 800m on day 3, and again wind conditions were very difficult, with both strength and angle changes being a constant challenge. Willis compiled a score of 138.8 out of 150 to finish fifth on the day. However, such was the carnage caused by the wind variation, that nobody else could match his three day aggregate score of 576.37 out of 600 points. In fact Willis finished four points clear to claim the state title in emphatic fashion.

          Eppleston, too, coped reasonably well with the last day conditions, shooting a score of 139.9, for an aggregate of 568.29, and a fourth place finish.

Graeme Bright

More photos & videos can be found on the NSWRA Facebook page.