The team's tour brochure. - National Rifle Association

Jon Underwood – An appreciationThe record setting Queen’s Prize winnerBy Tony de Launay“Never under-estimate the determination of the quiet man”. There, save perhaps for anungracious and gratuitous reference to an encroaching forehead, the similarity with a formerleader of the Conservative party comes to a halt.Jon Underwood, or Underperson as the late AndrewTucker habitually referred to him, last yearset the kind of record in the Queen’s Prize that demonstrates a number of qualities in a toprifle shooter. First, there is that quality known as concentration or, if you will, focus. Second,there is the range of technical skills applied in a consistent format that distinguishes the masterfrom the also ran.Third, there is a self-belief that all is possible whatever the disappointments that earlier nearsuccesses have brought - even in the previous 72 hours. Fourth, and last, there is the preciouscommodity of being “an all-round jolly good egg”.From a personal point of view I have known Jon for some considerable number of years. Aswell as being a quiet, unassuming, critically objective and supportive individual, Jon is to me theultra-reliable team shooter who will occupy whatever position you give him in the firing orderwithout grimace or grumble and produce the goods whatever the conditions.It was not difficult to include him in last year’s Mackinnon team as one of the four or so namesthat wrote themselves onto the team sheet - the men or women without whom thefoundations would not be as firm as you would like. It is simply that those shooters holdconsistent top-notch form over a number of years and do not seem to go off the boil.To go through a series of Queen’s I, II and III and to win each and every stage (and QIII is thetotal of QII and III before some clever person points out that others beat him at 900 and 1000)displays all these qualities. So, there will be a formidable competitor in the form of this familybusiness plant hire manager in the team to visit the Channel Islands this May. Thank heavens, Ihear the opposition say, that he should be concentrating on his role as Vice Captain!Not that this is the limit of his qualities. He has been known to celebrate in style, whether itis at his own achievement or at that of a colleague or an opponent. So listen to his words ofwisdom all you young tigers but, like Jon, do not fail to enjoy your shooting experience and putthe lessons – good, bad and indifferent - in your ready use locker for the years ahead.The best of luck to you all.