With a weakened squad (see “List of Pathetic Excuses” below) we knew we might be in trouble. A fresh breeze across Stickledown range made shooting interesting. Often the coach that judges the wind best will give his team a winning advantage.
Early results at 900 yards looked promising: decent scores of 48.2 (ex 50.10) from Mehta and King, with skipper Burnip close behind with 47.3. But a lack of long range practice and experience meant we were never going to be good enough to collect the silver this year, and at 1000 yards we were merely average. Usually dependable Highscore Hypotensive Hallahan suffered a loss of confidence to record his worst score for a while: we hope this is a temporary aberration. We weren’t bad, but just not quite good enough. You don’t win prizes with mediocre performances. Take note Beckham and England!
Light relief of the day came when old soldier Brian Smith gave a demonstration of bayonet drill using a 1918 Lee Enfield: and nearly had Nigel King singing in the trebles again after 45 years of determined bass line rumbling. When used for its intended purpose, the 88-year-old rifle potted the target from 1000 yards: they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.
But at least we beat the Old Lawrentians who are feeling the pressure of a torrid two years of fierce competition. Even the fielding of England shot Chris Weeden failed to improve their position below the OFs.
Next match is the All Day Lizard Trophy, an extravaganza of shooting at 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards, versus the Old Lawrentians: the season’s not dead yet.
RESULTS LONG RANGE 13 MAY 2006
| OFRC TEAMS | 900 | 1000 | TOTAL |
| John Halahan | 41.2 | 46.3 | 87.5 |
| Nigel Burnip | 47.3 | 45.1 | 92.4 |
| James Mehta | 48.2 | 44.3 | 92.5 |
| John Horton | 46.2 | 46.4 | 92.6 |
| Team total | 182.9 | 181.11 | 363.20 |
| Reserves | |||
| Nigel King | 48.2 | 37.1 | 85.3 |
| Robin Curtis | 39.0 | 41.1 | 80.1 |
| Brian Smith | 43.3 | 42.2 | 85.5 |
| Competition | 4 Man Teams | Scores ex 400 | |
| Cranleigh | 185.13 | 186.15 | 371.28 |
| KGS Wimbledon | ? | ? | 367.23 |
| Old Framlinghamians | 182.9 | 181.11 | 363.20 |
| Old Lawrentians | 183.8 | 172.9 | 355.17 |
| Old Albanians | 167.8 | 166.8 | 333.16 |
| Old Alleynians | 156.5 | 160.8 | 316.13 |
| Lancing | 155.6 | 149.3 | 304.09 |
Pathetic Excuses of the Day
“I’m singing in the choir at the FA Cup Final” (Walker)
“I’ve blagged them that I speak Portuguese and got a job for the weekend in Portugal” (Mcdowell who then sent cricket test score updates from a beach bar in Estoril)
“But King’s been shooting with this rifle” (Smith)
“The Doctor has changed my medication” (Halahan)
“Halahan was my wind-coach” (Mehta)
“You b*st**ds are using Eagle Eyes” (a permitted accessory lens for magnifying the target image) (Curtis)
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