After two days of relaxing in Melbourne, it was time to do some shooting on this shooting tour. So having collected our rifles, we headed out west from Melbourne. Once out of the city, we all got to see our first kangaroo, well three quarters of it anyway.
Our destination was Bacchus Marsh, the first range in the Shipwreck Coast Challenge. This is a beautiful range on the top of a hill. The large valley to the right of the targets means that a right wind can be extremely savage. Fortunately, the wind was from the left to give us visitors an easier start. The Australians did not try to hide their disappointment at this fact.
One member clearly had safety and security at the forefront of his mind. He was very concerned that he might be robbed and the key to the rifle action lock stolen. He therefore thought leaving it at home in the UK would be the safest place for it. Fortunately, a hacksaw was found and his security concerns undone in 10 seconds.
Before we could shoot, we needed to assemble and check that our rifles had survived the long journey intact. This left our touring gunsmith very busy checking and double checking rifles. However his diligence paid off as no-one reported any rifle issues.
The course of fire for the first stage of the Shipwreck Coast Challenge was two details of 2 sighters and 10 to count at 1000yards. The Australian style of individual shooting is different to the UK. Each competitor string shoots and there is an overall time limit for each shooter. The concept of having to do something by a certain time was a challenge for a certain touring member. No prizes for guessing which follically challenged reclined member we are taking about. There was no excuse for this considering the excellent marking provided by the Bacchus Marsh club members.
To add to the challenge provided, the targets were ICFRA which punish any shots outside the bull. Additional the V-bull (or centre as the locals call it) is smaller. Despite this, Ashley Abrahams took home the first honours of the tour with a 100.13v (50.5v followed by 50.8v). Clearly, Ashley’s 7:45am physio did wonders. He is now furiously googling for more physios on our tour of the state of Victoria.
Second was Peter Maher (Lilydale Club, State of Victoria) with 99.11v, followed by Jon Sweet 99.9v. Clearly there is going to be strong competition between GB and Australia going forward. An honourable mention should go to Sophie Wentges who almost managed the impossible possible, dropping her last to make 49.0v. See the full results here.
Thanks to our hosts at the Bacchus Marsh Rifle Range for making us feel so welcome and providing a great shoot (and super lunch).
Following the shoot, prizegiving and a chance to chat to the locals, we made our way to Ballarat for dinner and overnight accommodation. Tomorrow we have a day of travelling along the Great Ocean Road, a beautifully scenic journey along the coast that is not to be missed.