Sunday, July 25th: Australia Match

Our last day in Bisley ended with the firing of the Australia Match. The match conditions were 10 shooters, 2ss and 10 for score at 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards and the match was fired on ICFRA targets at all distances. Conditions were pretty light for most of the match and we stayed dry for another day. Results as follows:

1. Great Britain: 1972

2. Australia: 1943

3. Channel Islands: 1942

4. Canada: 1928 (detailed breakdown to follow)

5. Germany

6. Malaysia/Holland/Japan

Canada's breakdown:

Coach: Scott Murray 300 600 900 1000 Total

Jim Paton 47.6 50.7 47.2 49.5 193.20

Andy Tikkanen 50.6 49.6 47.3 48.4 194.19

Geoff Woodman 50.7 50.6 48.3 48.3 196.19

Fred Ellis 49.5 47.4 49.6 47.3 192.18

Ray Smeltzer 50.4 49.2 50.6 50.5 199.17

Coach: John Marshall

Des Vamplew 48.4 47.5 49.3 49.5 193.17

Steven Spinney 48.3 48.3 50.5 48.3 194.14

Jeff Jenkins 49.7 49.3 46.0 47.4 191.14

Marc Landreville 49.5 49.4 47.2 43.3 188.14

Barry Langille 49.6 48.5 44.3 47.4 188.18

TOTAL: 1928.170

Tonight is the final team dinner. I'll try to get one final post in summarizing the evening. The majority of the team departs for home tomorrow.

Thanks to all who followed the blog.

David Calvert wins HM the Queen's prize

Hot off the presses, David Calvert from Northern Ireland has won the Queen's prize with a score of 297.37. Second place was James Corbett from Australia on 296.45 and third place was Paul Kent on 296.38. Conditions were fairly difficult this afternoon. Canadians scored as follows:

Ray Smeltzer: 292

Barry Langille: 287

Serge Bissonnette: 286

Saturday, July 24th

Being Queen's final day, this will be a multi-post report. It is currently 1353hrs local time and the team has completed the Mackinnon match. The final stage of the St. George's was also fired this morning. Jim Paton was the top Canadian with a score of 150.21, placing him 9th overall.

In the Mackinnon, conditions were variable, particularly at 1000 yards. We were on targets 40-42 at 1000 and the wind ran between 5 1/2 and 11 minutes left. They only announced the top 3 teams on the range. Results as follows:

1. England: 1173.140 (believed to be a record score)

2. Australia: 1154.104

3. Ireland: 1147.104

4. Scotland: 1142.108

5. Wales: 1132.114

6. Guernsey: 1132.111

7. Canada: 1125.99

8. Jersey: 1109.90

9. Kenya: 1083.81

10: Germany: 1082.67

Canada shot an 1125.99. Target breakdown as follows:

Coach: Scott Murray 900 1000 Total

Jim Paton 50.6 45.5 95.11

Andy Tikkanen 48.3 48.6 96.9

Marc Landreville 49.6 45.4 94.10

Scott McGinnis 45.3 43.1 88.4

Coach: Peter Westlake

Steven Spinney 48.2 42.2 90.4

Fred Ellis 47.3 48.4 95.7

Geoff Woodman 48.3 46.3 94.6

Des Vamplew 50.7 50.7 100.14

Coach: John Marshall

Barry Langille 48.5 43.2 91.7

Mitch MacLeod 46.0 45.4 91.4

Jeff Jenkins 46.5 47.4 93.9

Ray Smeltzer 49.7 49.7 98.14

I shall provide the next update within minutes of the winner being chaired off the range.

Friday, July 23rd

Just a short entry for now to catch everyone up. I'll follow up with more details as they become available. The Kolapore was shot this morning. Results as follows:

1. Great Britain: 1196.195

2. Jersey: 1191.175

3. Australia: 1190.171

4. Guernsey: 1181.145

5. Canada: 1166.135

6. Germany: 1164.129

7. Kenya: 1154.113

Canada's breakdown is as follows:

Coach: John Marshall

300 500 600 Total

Des Vamplew 50.8 50.6 49.5 149.19

Steven Spinney 50.7 47.5 49.4 146.16

Jeff Jenkins 48.4 49.5 46.4 143.13

Barry Langille 50.7 48.7 48.4 146.18

Coach: Scott Murray

300 500 600 Total

Jim Paton 50.7 50.6 48.4 148.17

Andy Tikkanen 50.5 49.7 42.4 141.16

Geoff Woodman 48.3 49.6 49.7 146.16

Ray Smeltzer 49.7 49.6 49.7 147.20

The second stage of HM the Queen's prize was shot this afternoon. The cut-off for the final was 148.18. Ray Smeltzer (150.17), Cdt C. Chevrier (149.23) and Barry Langille (148.23) made it through and Serge Bissonnette was one of 7 competitors to shoot off for the final 2 positions. Serge very quickly fired a 25.5 to secure one of the 2 spots.

John Underwood won the Silver Medal by shooting a 150.26.

More details to follow.

Thursday, July 22nd

As the Imperial Meeting starts to wind down, today marked the end of the Grand Aggregate with the firing of the Prince of Wales match. Conditions were pretty steady and dry for 3 1/2 of the 5 relays and some high scores were fired. The third and fourth details had some quickly changing winds and some torrential rain, which caused some havoc for the shooters. There were no Canadians on the prizelist for the match.

As for the Grand, both Jim Paton and Ray Smeltzer maintained their positions, finishing in 11th and 12th place respectively. Outstanding shooting this week!! Other Canadians who finished in the top 200 were Geoff Woodman, in 148th place, Des Vamplew, in 176th place and Peter Westlake, in 187th place. The Grand Aggregate was won by David Luckman, for the second time.

Today was also the Overseas team match. Conditions were relatively benign for 300 and 500 yards and a little more challenging at 600 yards. Canada finished in 4th place, with a score of 1212.121. Final results are as follows:

1. Australia: 1233.147

2. Guernsey: 1229.136

3. Jersey: 1221.130

4. Canada: 1212.121

5. Kenya: 1208.119

6. Germany: 1201.118

I shall try to put up our teams individual breakdown tomorrow, if I get the results.

Finally, the day ended with the firing of the second stage of the St. George's. The cut-off score this year was 149.13. The following Canadians qualified for the third stage (score to be carried over in parenthesis): Serge Bissonnette (75.11), Jim Paton (75.10), Andy Tikkanen (75.10), Geoff Woodman (75.8), Capt Bart Yarmoshuk (75.8), Ray Smeltzer (74.11) and Roger Mullin (74.6).

Tomorrow is the Kolopore Match and the second stage of the Queen's prize, so another big day.

Wednesday, July 21st

Today was Queen's 1 day. Always a day of anticipation and today was no different. The day started out with calm conditions in the morning but got increasingly windy as the afternoon progressed. The Conan Doyle was also fired today at 900 yards. Canadians placing were as follows: Roger Mullin fired a 50.7 to place 14th. Other Canadians with possibles were Peter Westlake, with a 50.5 and Ray Smeltzer with a 50.4.

On to the Queen's results. The cut-off score this year was 102.6, meaning that 14 Canadians made it through to the second stage. Leading the way were Jim Paton and Ray Smeltzer with 105's (16 and 14 v's respectively). Geoff Woodman shot a 104.15 while Des Vamplew, Barry Langille and Cdt M. Atyeo shot 103's. Peter Westlake, Bruce MacDonald (PPRA), Cdt T. Vlad, Cdt B. Newgard, Art Grundy, Serge Bissonnette, Andy Tikkanen and Tom Maynard all shot 102's.

With one match left in the Grand Aggregate, the updated Grand placings are as follows. Jim Paton is in 11th place and Ray Smeltzer, made a huge jump from 43rd to 12th place by going clean for the day. The next highest placing Canadians are Peter Westlake in 101st place, Des Vamplew in 109th place and Geoff Woodman in 123rd place. Tomorrow is the Prince of Wales Match in the morning, to conclude the Grand Aggregate, then the Overseas team match in the afternoon. The second stage of the St. George's is also fired tomorrow at 1800hrs local time.

One last note. Art Grundy was counted out for one of the last positions in the second stage of the St. George's. That's why you unfortunately won't find his name on the official prize list.

Tuesday, July 20th

Just a short entry today as there was only one range fired; the St George's Stage 1. Conditions were very light with warm temperatures and very little wind. As a result, there were 146 scores of 75. The cut-off this year was 74.8.

Canadians who qualified for the second stage are as follows: Geoff Woodman (with an excellent 75.13), Jim Paton, Barry Langille, Ray Smeltzer, Roger Mullin, Ken Nelson (shooting with the PPRA team), Peter Westlake, Des Vamplew, Serge Bissonnette, Capt Bart Yarmoshuk (head coach of the RCAC NRT), Andy Tikkanen, Cdt C. Choquette, Cdt T. Vlad, and Art Grundy.

The Grand Aggregate shuffled a little bit as a result of the St. George's today as well. Gaz Morris still has a 2 point lead on David Luckman, John Underwood and Glyn Barnett. Canadians in the top 200 are: Jim Paton (21st), Ray Smeltzer (43rd), Des Vamplew (123rd), Geoff Woodman (158th) and Peter Westlake (167th).

Tomorrow is Queen's 1 day as well as the Conan Doyle (900 yards). Forecast is for heavy showers overnight, clearing for the morning. We will keep our fingers crossed.

Monday, July 19th

Another day is finished in Bisley. The weather was very Canadian today, sunny and warm. Canadian results as follows. In the Times (300 yards), Fred Ellis was the highest placing Canadian finishing in a tie for 10th place with a 50.9. Other Canadians placing were Barry Langille with a 50.8, Peter Westlake with a 50.7 and Scott Murray with a 50.5. Cdt C. Chevrier shot a 50.8 and Cdt F-X Cliche also shot a 50.6 to make the board. There were at least 200 scores of 50.

In the Corporation (1000 yards), Ray Smeltzer shot a 50.6 to place 8th. Another fantastic result.

In the Wimbledon (600 yards), the highest placing Canadian was Cdt D. Chadwick with a 50.5 to finish in 28th place.

After Monday's shooting, the top Canadian's in the Grand Aggregate are as follows: Jim Paton is in 25th place with a score of 391.46, Ray Smeltzer is in 54th place with a 389.45, Des Vamplew is in 136th place with a 386.42, Peter Westlake is in 176th place with a 385.40 and Geoff Woodman is in 196th place with a 384.43. Gaz Morris is on the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 397.47 out of a possible 400.80.

Tomorrow is the first stage of the St. George's. The team has the afternoon off so many are planning trips into Guildford for a well deserved day of R&R.

Sunday, July 18th

Sunday was a rather pleasant day, starting overcast, then clearing and warming up for the afternoon. The wind was, once again, somewhat challenging although a number of the team members had some fine performances.

The day started, for most people, with the Alexandra at 600 yards. John Marshall led the Canadian contingent with an excellent 50.7. Andy Tikkanen shot a 50.3 to round out the main team. From the PPRA team, Bruce Macdonald fired a 50.5 and from the cadet team, Cdt C. Choquette and Cdt J. Dugal also fired possibles, with 50.5 and 50.4 respectively.

The Duke of Cambridge, at 900 yards, was fired all day. Serge Bissonnette fired an outstanding 50.8 to place 7th overall. Jim Paton fired a 50.6 to continue his fine form.

The Daily Mail, at 500 yards, was fired in the afternoon. The top scoring Canadian was Cdt J. Dugal from the cadet team with an excellent 75.9. Some outstanding shooting!

In the Sunday Aggregate, Jim Paton placed 24th with a 172.22 out of a possible 175.35. Thus far in the Grand Aggregate, Jim is in 10th place dropping only 3 points. Ray Smeltzer is in 112th place at 7 off. Cdt Kyle Dauncey is in 148th place, also at 7 off. Everyone is chasing Jumbo Lewis, who is clean at 250.34 thus far.

The evening concluded with the Canadian Reception. Our Commandant, George Harper and wife Azul, Maj Rob Matte, commandant of the cadet team and MGen Robert Meating, Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, welcomed over 150 visitors to the MacDonald Stewart Canadian Pavilion. The building was quite full and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to the team members and to the RCAC National Rifle Team cadets who made sure that everyone was well taken care of.

Monday the 19th of July is Corporation day. The Times and Wimbledon matches will also be fired. Now, being Monday around noon, I can report that it is a beautiful, sunny day and the winds are a little calmer. Full results to follow tonight.

Saturday, July 17th

The NRA(UK) published results rather quickly today and I'm proud to say that some Canadians placed quite well. Conditions were once again windy (in large part) but we stayed dry and the temperature was a little warmer also.

The warm-up matches concluded with the Donegall (300 yards) and the Lovell (1000 yards). In the Donegall, Ray Smeltzer fired an excellent 50.10 and followed that up immediately with a 24.3. This placed Ray in 5th place overall for the match. Excellent shooting!! Geoff Woodman continued his fine form with a 50.8 and Des Vamplew fired a 50.7.

In the Lovell, none of the Canadian team made the board. However, with the start of the Grand Aggregate, the team enjoyed considerable success. Jim Paton finished in 3rd place with an fine 75.12. Ray Smeltzer continued his successful day with a 75.8. A number of the team scored 73's and 74's to start their Grand. In the Saturday Aggregate, Geoff Woodman placed 16th and in the Tucker Aggregate (all the warm-up matches), Geoff also placed 16th.

Tonight is the British Commonwealth Rifle Club reception, which will be attended by the majority of the team. Tomorrow is another busy day with the Alexandra (600 yards), the Daily Mail (500 yards) and the Duke of Cambridge (900 yards). Following the day's shooting, the Commandant and the team will be hosting the annual Canadian Reception. We are expecting close to 250 guests and we will, once again, have the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team providing assistance in hosting this reception. It should a great evening.

Friday, July 16th

Today was the start of the warm-up matches with the firing of the Century and Admiral Hutton matches. The day started with some scattered showers, although most of us managed to stay dry. Conditions were very windy at times, which proved to be quite a challenge. Jim Paton had a fine day, placing 12th in the Century with a 98.12 and 18th in the Friday Aggregate with a score of 145.15. Geoff Woodman also had a good day, placing 28th in the Century with a score of 98.10.

The day concluded with the team attending the Overseas reception at the Army Target Rifle Club. Commandant George Harper and Stan Frost made presentations to the NRA on behalf of the DCRA in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the NRA(UK).

On the schedule for Saturday are the Donegall and Lovell matches and the start of the Grand Aggregate with the firing of the Daily Telegraph. Saturday concludes with another reception, this time hosted by the British Commonwealth Rifle Club.

Good shooting to you all.

15 July 2010

Today was the first full day with the entire team in house. The team photo was taken this morning and all members had the opportunity to have their rifles verified by the NRA armourer, Fred James. This afternoon, we also shot in our annual match with the Barbarians. Conditions were quite windy, which provided the coaches (and shooters) with quite a challenge. At the end of the match, Canada was victorious by 8 points. Our top scorer was Jim Paton, with a 97.11.

Some highlights from the past week or so activities (more details to follow as they are provided to the author...). Our team to Wales had a great time and were the recipients of some wonderful hospitality, as is the annual custom. We finished 2nd in the International Match by 22 points. Individually, John Marshall placed 3rd, Mitch Macleod 5th, Ray Smeltzer 6th and Jeff Jenkins 7th.

The evening concluded with our annual barbeque. While the windy conditions forced the meal to be eaten inside, everyone had an enjoyable time.

After a couple of days with intermittent rain, we are expecting some better weather for the next couple of days, to start the individual matches of the Imperial Meeting. Stay tuned for more details.