2015 QRA QUEENS BELMONT RIFLE RANGE, BRISBANE 12 – 16 AUGUST

Following the F Class National Teams shoot in Brisbane 10^th to 11^th August 2015 where North Queensland was placed 2^nd in F/TR and 3^rd in F Standard and F Open over seven other F Class National Teams, eight Ravenshoe shooters stayed on to contest the QRA Queens.

Prior to the Queens, there was the Brisbane Rifle Club’s OPM on 8/8/15, where Murray Wilson claimed the 500 range in FSA, and the Metropolitan District Rifle Association OPM on 9/8/15 where Murray took out the 1000 yard range and 4^th Aggregate (in FSA) and Liz Wilson the 1000 yards and 3^rd Aggregate (in FSB). Then the lead-up to the Queens, the Duncan, started on 12/8/15. This had 37 FA, 22 FB, 57 FO and 30 FTR shooters and comprised 300, 500 & 600y on Day 1. Liz Wilson won 1^st range medal for 600 with a 59.4 and Day 1 aggregate badge in FSB. Day 2 was 900 & 1000y. Liz got 7^th Duncan Badge in FSB.

Then on Friday, 14/8/15 the competition started in earnest in the QRA Queens with seven Highlanders attending. Target Rifle numbers were down due to many top shooters competing at Camp Perry in the USA. 73 TRA, 42 TRB, 8 TRC, 46 FSA, 27 FSB, 60 FO and 40 F/TR competed. A great increase in F-Open and an excellent F/TR contingent. Day 1 was made up of 300, 500 and double 600 where competition was fierce and possibles were the order of the day. Liz won a Day 1 aggregate coming 2nd in FSB.

Day 2 expanded the ranges to 500, 800, and double 900. Kevin Chatfield came 1^st at 500 with a commendable 60.8 and 2^nd at 900 with 57.1 and a 2^nd Day 2 aggregate in FSA. This was well deserved under incredibly changing wind conditions.

Day 3 comprised 900 & 1000 yards. Kev kept a cool head and was victorious at 900 with a 60.6. Mick Wood did well to score 59.3 in FSA. Kate Chatfield also did well with a 57.4. At a 1000 yards Liz Wilson managed to take out FSB with a 54.4.

Considering our numbers, Ravenshoe/Mt Garnet Rifle Club certainly made our presence felt with FSA winners being: Kevin Chatfield 1^st Queens Badge; Kate Chatfield 8^th Badge. Congratulations Kevin on a great effort for your 1^st Queens. Chris Allman took 9^th Badge in F/TR. Liz Wilson took out 6^th Queens Badge and 2^nd Grand Aggregate Badge (Total of Duncan & Queens) in FSB.

All in all it was a great competition. The weather held off with rain (except for Day 2 of the Duncan where a 600y shoot had to be cancelled due to delays with rain). The camping sites & facilities were good, the meals were great and most of all good camaraderie was the order of the day. We all hope to do even better next year.

Full results available at www:nraa.com.au/results.

Kevin Chatfield: 1st F Standard Queens Aggregate