Winter 2002 - National Rifle Association

Precise shooting requiresan unwavering concentration inthe center of the action. Your rifleis a key factor to success. The R 93LRS helps ensure accuracy. It is areliable, high performing rifle that offersstraight and smooth repeating in theaiming position. Not having to changeyour posture gives you the time andenergy you need to concentrate on thetarget and use your skills to the fullest.For further information contact your local dealer or:Beechwood Equipment • PO Box 162 • Weybridge • Surreysales@beechwoodequipment.com • www.blaser.deTel: 01932 847365 Fax: 01932 853994annually by all the Caribbean shooting countries; theGB Team shot alongside and competed in a concurrentmatch against a pre-selected West Indies eight. Due tolimitations imposed by target availability, only eightshooters could be nominated to shoot, the prize beinganother case of cold beer.After 300 yards, the nominated West Indies team wasahead by five points, and their lead increased by a furtherthree points at 500 yards. The GB team faced its firstsetback of the tour and Norris had begun to anticipatethe sweet taste of success and beer. After lunch, however,the tables were cruelly turned on him and his team, asGB recorded their best range score of the day, and theWest Indies their worst, achieving a 600 yards advantageof 11 points and overall victory by three points (1163.127against 1160.115). Highest scorer for GB was JohnCarmichael with 148.16 and, for the West Indies,Ransford Goodluck, with 148.17. Jamaica won the BWIACup with 1142.117.Back to the hotel to change, then back on the bus to therange for the prize giving. Drinks under the Caribbeannight sky, to the traditional accompaniment of a brassband, preceded the prize giving at which words ofthanks and appreciation were exchanged. It was withsadness that we said goodbye to all our hosts, from allfour countries, whose friendship and sense of fun hadmade the tour such a delight.Monday 20 to Thursday 23 MayThe full range of holiday activities were explored,including scuba diving, golf, sugar factory visits, deepsea fishing, historical tours, clubbing and simplyabsorbing rays before returning to the grey UK springthat awaited us. All local restaurants were criticallyappraised and, for the final night, a contingent of teammembers entertained a rapidly diminishing localaudience to karaoke at the Ship Inn but finally it wastime to return to the real world.This tour had been an unforgettable experience for allmembers of the team. The welcome extended byshooters in all of the host countries had beenoverwhelming, and we were taught how to enjoy life,invariably by people whose lives are by no means easy.Where else in the world can we eat fresh mangoes orchew raw sugar cane on the range after shooting? Andwhere else can we plunge into the warm clearaquamarine surf after shooting or watch a turtle layingits eggs on the beach after that sudden tropical nightfall? The tradition of sportsmanship and the fun ofparticipation at any level live on in the Caribbean. It isregrettable that GB shooters do not have the privilegeof more opportunities to visit these magical places, notleast to support the local shooters in building andpromoting our sport.31