All fired up
NATIONAL titles are usually conducted in capital cities, but the Northern Rivers District Rifle Association will host its fifth national titles in Grafton on May 19-20.
The National Rimfire and Field Class Championships were first held in the Clarence Valley in 2007 after the Northern Rivers District Rifle Association was given the hosting responsibilities by the National Rifle Association of Australia.
"Grafton and Coffs Harbour Rifle Clubs are two of the largest rifle clubs in Australia and share the hosting of the national titles on a biannual basis," Grafton Rifle Club secretary John Stone said.
"The Rimfire and Field Class disciplines require competitors to fire at targets at distances of 30 metres to 300 metres in each of the standing, sitting and prone positions.
"There are four matches of five shots each at each range, so that a competitor has a possible total score of 300 points."
It is probable that the A-grade winner will have a score in the high 290s, according to Stone.
However, everyone is catered for as there are three grades, A, B and C, to cater for the most experi- enced to the novice competitor.
The winners will lay claim to the title of Australian National Champion in their respective disciplines until the 2013 competition is held at Coffs Harbour.
"This is the fifth time that the nationals have been held under the umbrella of the Northern Rivers DRA and we believe that Grafton is indeed fortunate to be hosting these titles," Stone said.
"This means that our members do not have to travel long distances to compete in a prestigious national competition and is a great boost for our club."
A rimfire competition will start at 8am on Saturday with a presentation by Mayor Richie Williamson about 3pm.
The centre-fire presentation should be about the same time on Sunday, and although details have yet to be decided, NRAA and state president John Fitzgerald may attend to present medals and badges to the winners of each division.
