London and Middlesex take rifles title
Conditions were poor as an Oxford VI took to the range last Saturday as part of a four-way friendly shooting match.
A heavy mist formed as the teams began firing at 900 yards, partially obscuring the targets. Nevertheless Oxford scored well, with Ben Stevens making a maximum 50/50. Stephen Hebbes and Ben Craig contributed 49 and 47 respectively.
The mists cleared slightly as the competitors fell back to 1000 yards. At such long distance (the maximum range for target rifles without telescopic sights) the ability to read the wind is critical. Several points were dropped as a result of misinterpretation.
Oliver Spencer, Stevens and Hebbes all managed 47s at 1000 yards, making Stevens the highest Oxford scorer with 97/100. Top score of the day went to Winney of the L & M with 99/100.
In the final count Oxford managed a creditable 555.30/600. The combined Oxford and Cambridge Old Boys scored 562.47, and the victorious L & M 573.53.
6th May 2004