Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/847291
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 11 This year's SSAA National Rimfire Benchrest Championships attracted so many competitors that one of the shoots had to be held over two days. The Championships, held from 8 to 12 March at the lush SSAA NSW Coffs Harbour Branch Dairyville Range, drew 47 competitors in the Light Benchrest, 77 in Hunter Benchrest and 81 in International Rimfire Benchrest. Since the range has only 15 benches it would have been impossible with so many entries to hold both the 50 and 100 yard categories in one day, according to Discipline Chairman Dave Billinghurst. In spite of strong wind over the first four days some great scores were shot and the timing proved lucky, with around 500 millimetres of rain falling in the following week. In addition to luck a lot of hard work went into making the well-attended event a success. "Once again, a big thank you to all our volunteers," Dave says. "Without their help, nothing would happen. Thanks also to all the competitors who contributed to buy a memorial shield for one of our late members, club stalwart Neil Starr." The inaugural winner of the shield was combined Two-Gun and International Rimfire Benchrest champion Paul Sullivan, and the trophy will continue to be awarded at future national competitions. Results Top 10 Light Benchrest Bill Simmons .7107, Brett Wilson .7418, Brian Mitchell .802, Norm Bardell .8316, Keith Smith .8367, Paul Sullivan .8434, Richard Powell .8783, Neil Digweed .8791, Glenn Seaman .8827, Ben West .9133. Top 10 Hunter Benchrest Ben West .6038, Bill Simmons .6329, Paul Sullivan .6627, Russell Gibson .6728, Robin Cox .6779, Neil Digweed .6925, Brett Wilson .7018, John Patzwald .7060, Norm Bardell .7068, Chris Parry .7218. Top 10 International Benchrest Paul Sullivan 1494.100, Robin Cox 1493.10, Stuart Elliott 1493.81, Brett Wilson 1491.98, Neil Digweed 1486.90, Brian Mitchell 1486.71, Janette Mitchell 1485.86, Norm Bardell 1485.81, Nic Ward 1484.73, Caden Bardell (Junior) 1483.76. Top 10 Two-Gun Bill Simmons .6718, Brett Wilson .7218, Paul Sullivan .7530, Ben West .7585, Norm Bardell .7692, Brian Mitchell .7697, Neil Digweed .7858, Russell Gibson .7990, Don Powell .8438, Richard Powell .8650. 2017 SSAA National Rimfire Benchrest Championships Strong attendance and a new trophy made this a competition for the records. Junior Tiffany Tarrant at the firing line. The hardworking target crew at work