Prize news throws aim

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 233, 1 March 1988, Page 16

Prize news throws aim

Raetihi man Jim Dobson is top gun among fellow enthusiasts at the W a imarino Gun Club. By recently taking out the top prize at the Bicentenary International Clay Target shooting competition held on Norfolk Island, he has secured himself a reputation as a top marksman. Jim and Barbara Dobson and their neighbours John and Barbara Dempsey left for Norfolk Island on 7 February on the pretext of a holiday - the difference being that guns took precedence over togs and suntan lotion! Both the men, along with Ohakune identity Trevor Taylor took part

in the annual competition that attracted shooters from Noumea, Australia, Norfolk and New Zealand - a total of 188 competitors. Shooters competed for a number of trophies sponsored by the airline companies Quantas, Air New Zealand and East West - Norfolk's own airline. Shooters entered in three disciplines American Skeet, the same as the New Zealand version; 'Down the Line' - single rise shooting, and 'ISU Ball Trap', where competitors stand 16 metres away from where the target is released at over 160 km/hr. Mr Dobson notched up a succession of placings throughout the

competition, landing him with the highest aggregate points total at the end of the competition. He finished with a score of 236 out of a possible 245. points, narrowly beating a fellow New Zealander with 235 points. Mr Dobson was awarded the 'High Gun' prize - a Baretta semiautomatic trap gun, value $1,500. In addition he received a set of Italian crystal whiskey glasses for winning the Provincial High Gun pategory and a trophy for being placed third in the A Grade single rise earlier in the competitibn. Bagging the prizes were a bonus, he said. "The holiday was the main reason for the

trip, so it was great to be placed in the competition," he said. It was during his last event, the 50 metre target single rise, that he found out about his overall win. Mr Dobson said he was elated throughout that event and lost concentration. Consequently he was placed third behind two Australian competitors. He attributed his success to the support given by his wife and friends. A major factor was his ability to concentrate for long periods of time throughout the event. He said he achieved this through their encouragement. Also, thanks to some ingenious devices fitted to the nose pieces o f his glasses he was able

to wear them throughout the shoot. Up until before the competition he had been forced to remove them when shooting. Mr Dobson said he has no plans to take part in next year's competition and is instead looking toward the New Zealand nationals in Hamilton, next February. He is also involved in the Waimarino Gun Club's annual charter club shoot this weekend organised in conjunction with the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club. Mr Dobson has enjoyed success at club and national level, recently being placed second in the North Island A Grade 'Sparrows' competition earlier in February.