The Big Game

Posted on 07 Mar 2014 by WH

Thursday's practice session for the team matches showed a schism in the scores; we'd need to tighten up if we were going to give our hosts a decent run for their money. The forecast was bright and sunny, so once again we could make full use of the range in competition.

The Scottish VIII of Scott, Ford, Shaw, Campbell, Maclean, Hanley, Thomson and Shepherd, with wind coaching from Charlton and Hunter, took the lead over the USA National Team (composed of Palma squad members) at 300 yards by two points. The natives not only closed but reversed the margin going back to 600 - it was proving to be a very competitive match even before long range.

The wind &mirage had been tricky to gauge all day; they regularly swung around and a front fishtail was common. Scotland put in a strong performance at 900, as well as benefiting from US errors, to take the lead again - this time by six points with just 1000 yards to go. However, while the Scots mostly performed quite well at 1000 yards, most of the American shoots were stunning and, when the dust had settled, the USA had clinched the win over the visitors by seven points, to level the series with one match to go.

The whole team had performed well, but our (very strong) hosts had simply performed just a bit better. We're certainly not disappointed finishing only a few points behind the US Palma squad, but we'll not settle for that in the next match all the same.

To raise spirits further, the winners laid on a Buffalo Gun competition at 200 yards: standing with antique breech-loading rifles with 520 grain bullets at long range targets. Ian Shaw managed to squeak in an X and Iain Hindshaw did the same - albeit from a ricochet after clipping the mantlet! The Americans triumphed by two points to avenge their defeat in the assault rifles match.

As dusk approached, the official team photo in number ones at Shenadoah preceded a warm reception and dinner at one of the local wineries where the team appreciated the excellent hospitality and got to know the US team a little better in a more informal setting. USA Palma Captain, Dennis Flaherty and Matt Charlton exchanged warm words and gifts on behalf of both the teams. Luckily, being in a winery, the Scots managed to remain fairly restrained considering the fine wares on offer and some were even in bed by 9pm!

Saturday morning approached, where once again it would be time to string shoot; two and fifteen at 300, 600, 900 and 1000. Those who had too much wine the night before were to rejoice, as competitor marking would cease for the weekend with the Californian youngsters, the 'Grizzlies', kindly operating the targets for us.