Overview:  Shooters may enter up to 2 rifle spec classes over the 2x IMC matches – 1 rifle spec per day only for IMC. Shooter chooses which day they will shoot their elected rifle spec.  Shooting the same spec over 2 days will have the 2^nd result count towards the next highest spec (forwards compatible).

 

2009 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MATCHES

AUSTRALIAN MASTERS (PRESIDENTS)

Tamworth was the place to be last weekend (15-16-17 May) for the AIHPA National Matches where all 4 courses were run, and very successfully so, with the best shooters in Australian attending.  As the old saying goes, if you were there, then you missed out.

 

Many attended the Thursday practice.  This was found to be very beneficial for those needing to get on target as the weekend that was to come proved to be difficult.  It was a relaxing afternoon, and something more shooters should try to attend.  Perhaps next year, given it is the Nationals after all, Thursday should be flagged a full day?

 

A perfect Friday morning saw the start of the matches.  Vintage Match Course (VMC), all fired at 200m in 3 positions, was first up.  It was heavily contested by Spec 1 rifles, the way it should be.  We are making changes for this match in 2010, so it will be considered a Vintage match for Vintage rifles…but more on this later.

 

Next match on Friday was the International Match Course (IMC), fired at 200, 300 & 600.  By the start of this match, the wind was up, and so was the enthusiasm of the shooters.  Some very good scores were posted, with special mention to Andrew Brown, who shot a new National Spec 5 (optical) Record of 489/500.

 

The AIPHA AGM took place at the close of business, which was positive and showcased strong support for AIHPA and its objectives for the future.

 

Saturday was the 2^nd IMC and the Tactical.  Before the first shot was fired, the wind was incredibly strong, and very switch.  The scores shot this day certainly reflected the conditions, however there were still some very respectable strings shot.

 

A crowd favourite, the Tactical Match Course, was the last match of Saturday.  It was shot in conditions that tested the best shooters and equipment.  Those who fronted for this match only were hit by the conditions the hardest.

 

Sunday was the Australian Match Course, Service style on the angry man targets.  It was a glorious day, with the wind down, and shorts and t-shirts were in order.  The conditions were still a little tricky, but the scores shot on the day hardly reflected it – many shooters powered on to post some very respectable scores.

 

Overall the weekend was a great success.  The range was great, the equipment ran well, the event ran well, and the hosts, who made a healthy profit which goes back into the range, did a great job also.  Special mention to all the competitors who are really learning the procedural art of preparation and execution – this is what being a “shooter” is all about.  Everybody, and every shooter, did a great job getting through the courses, with an early finish every day.   Well done all.

 

Oh, many thanks to Willy, of the Abraham Lincoln Motel, who gave the ONLY sporting group he allows in his motel, the shooters, a great nightly rate and a free healthy breakfast Sunday morning.  This hospitality is on offer for every shoot in Tamworth.  Keep Willy’s number for all future needs, and spread the word.

 

Champions for 2009:

- Vintage MC National Title Holders.

            - Spec 1           Andrew Brown

            - Spec 2           David Waters

            - Spec 3           Chris Baynes

            - Spec 5           Ross Taylor

 

- International MC National Title Holders.

            - Spec 1           Peter Brown

            - Spec 2           David Waters

            - Spec 3           David Waters

            - Spec 5           Andrew Brown

            - Spec 5a         Norm Baynes

 

- Tactical MC National Title Holders.

            - Spec Open    Matt Avard

 

- Australian MC National Title Holders.

            - Spec 1           Kim Ellis

            - Spec 2           Peter Barnier

            - Spec 3           Chris Baynes

            - Spec 5           Graham Smith

 

- Australian Masters.

            - Spec 1           Craig Mahoney

            - Spec 2           David Waters

            - Spec 3           David Waters

            - Spec 5           Andrew Brown

            - Spec 5a         Norm Baynes

 

Congratulations to these 2009 champions.

 

But wait, that is not all.  All the results from these National Matches count towards the annual Grand Tour (GT) series for 2009.  If you missed the Nationals, there are plenty more meets to attend this year – it is not too late to join.

 

 

String 4            600,     Deliberate         - 2 sighters then 20 shots, Prone, NRA MR-1 target – 22min

                        - Snap, 5x 6 second exposures – 10rnds total

            100m  Snap Fire,          Standing U/S    2 sighters + 10 rounds              3sec per shot,   Fig 12

SYDNEY Vs TAMWORTH - TAMWORTH 2009 WINNERS

Teams:    Tamworth            Sydney
             Peter Barnier      Graham Smith

             John Barnier        David Waters

             Sam Barnier        Chris Baynes

             Ross Taylor           Kim Ellis