Shooting

The Winter Term's shooting followed the usual pattern of league matches and options. Four teams were entered for the former, but they enjoyed little success, all being out-classed, i.e. placed in divisions too high for their ability. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that standards in the School have declined, with a first VIII averaging 750 (in 800) whereas only a few years ago we could expect 765—nearly two points a man more. There was, however, some improvement during the term if the totals of all four teams are considered, and this, except for one disastrous occasion, continued through the Spring Term, when seventeen out of the twenty team members improved their averages. Team placings in the leagues were correspondingly better. Minor colours were awarded to: S. R. Dench (97 .4), P. D. Widdicombe (94 .8), J. N. Denison (93 .6), P. T. Charlton (93 .0), R. C. Barker (93 .0), C. J. Hirst (92 .4), C. G. A. Morcom (92 . 2), A. M. Prowde (92.0). The Balls Cup for the highest match average was therefore won by S. R. Dench.

The house match was shot, as used to be the custom, at the end of the Spring term, under conditions similar to those for the leagues. The result was, Winner: Temple.

C. G. A. Morcom 98 P. D. Widdicombe 96 A. M. Prowde 94 C. J. Hirst 96

384 Runner up: Manor 338

The first match event of the Summer Term was the N.E. District Schools' meeting at Strensall on 22nd May. We could find time for only two practices and the team, which must have been one of the youngest entered, did quite well in the circumstances: out of nineteen entries, sixth in the Section Competition, third in the Snap, and survivor of three rounds in the Falling Plates before being knocked out by the eventual winners. The team consisted of R. C. Barker, R. A. Kaiser, D. M. Ellison and M. C. J. Sunley.

The usual trip to the County of Lancaster R.A. meeting at Altcar took place on 5th June, and respectable scores were made, but we proved no match for Sedbergh, who were strong enough to enter three teams and who virtually swept the board. Nevertheless, scores were encouraging and but for a mishap which necessitated a re-shoot we would probably have won the Fletcher (Marling). Unhappily the re-shoot was disastrous with two jammed magazines.

This year twelve shooters went to Bisley, supported by three full-time markers in an effort to reduce pressure on the shooters on the one hand and to comply with the new regulations about markers. This worked very well and our scores at Bisley began to show a recovery after the indifferent results of the last two or three years. In the team snap shooting match we came tenth (ex 28) and, in spite of a score below our expectations, eleventh in the Marling. The Ashburton 200 yds. shoot was one of those unexplained slumps that occur from time to time, whereas the 500 yd. shoot was comfortably good and our total was our highest since 1971. Our position was 34th (ex 66), and S. R. Dench was awarded a Schools hundred badge.