FASSAROE OPEN 2001


The weekend began with the 3-Position Match on the morning of the Saturday (16th June).  After a couple of very poor years, entries were proportionately significantly up this year, although this remains an event with a very small participation level.  Six shooters took part, all firing the full 3x40 match.  The weather started poor, with frequent showers, although these dried up later in the day.  For the time of year, it was surprisingly cold.  The wind was moderate but tricky, but to the extent that scores were down, it was probably more due to lack of practice on the part of many of the shooters rather than to the conditions.  The winner was Alan Lewis (East Antrim) with 1119 ex 1200 ? within a point of his winning score two years ago.

The 100 yards match, held in the afternoon, took the form of an individual Scottish Match.  Prizes were for high gun score and handicap score based on class.  The winner in both was John Keaney of Trinity College.  Dampness remaining in the wind flags made conditions difficult to read, particularly critical at the extended range, and scores appeared to suffer accordingly.

The main English Match took place on the Sunday  - 17th June.  Conditions were more pleasant than Saturday ? it remained dry, and it wasn?t so cold.  There was some wind, not strong but fish-tailing and variable, early in the day.  This slackened later in the morning so that by lunchtime it was very light and the later details almost certainly enjoyed the best of the conditions.  Alan Lewis completed a successful weekend taking Class A and the Championship with a creditable 588 ex 600.

Thanks to all shooters who attended and those who couldn?t but made a subscription nonetheless.  We were particularly pleased to have a participant from the U.S.A. (Charlie Minella from the Antelope Club, Florida) and to see some good performances from shooters from clubs not traditionally strong in outdoor .22 target rifle shooting.  Richard Stapleton?s (Wilkinstown T.S.C.) 576 ex 600 in winning Class D is particularly worthy of mention.

We hope everyone enjoyed the shoot and look forward to seeing you next year.