Marty Kelly Wins The VRA Medal and the AH Coorte Cup
The Most Improved ECDRA Shooter for 2017
Geoff James (left), past Captain of the East Central District Rifle Association presents Marty Kelly(right)present Captain with the AH Coorte Cup for the most improved ECDRA shooter for 2017
The 2017 VRA medal shoot for the East Central District Rifle Association Inc was shot for on the Violet Town Range on Saturday November 11. This year the VRA medal shoot was combined with the “Most Improved Trophy shoot” and the Salmagundi shoot.
What a beautiful warm late spring day with a gentle wind and clear light, what a chance to post some outstanding scores. That was the thoughts of the shooters before the start anyway.
The format of the shoot was 2 sighters and 10 shots to count at 300, 500 and 600 yards. The shoot got off to a great start when Marty Kelly shot a 59.4 at 300. It was soon was very apparent that despite the beautiful day there was an ever present breeze dodging around the flags so that the shooters had no indication of its presence until the shot on the target was shown as less than expected.
The shoot for the day was halted at 10.55 and Graeme Kerr headed a short Remembrance Day Ceremony and cited The Ode. Several minutes of silence was observed to remember those that fought 99 years ago in WW1 and the many wars since.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
"Lest We Forget"
The shooters regrouped and focused once again to their task and it was very apparent that Marty Kelly and Graeme Kerr were going to feature in the top scores, Graeme matched Marty with a 59.5 at 500 yards. As the match went back to 600 yards it was shot for shot with Graeme having the slight edge with a 58.6 to Marty’s 58.4.
The VRA medal was decided on the 500 and 600 yard shoots with Graeme Kerr taking the VRA spoon for the top score by a VRA medal holder with 117.11 and Marty Kelly winning the VRA medal (having the highest score for a non VRA medal holder) with 116.9.
The AH Coorte Cup for the most improved shooter for 2017 took a bit of calculation as it involved the adjustment for handicap. The results were Marty Kelly 182.13 winning the AH Coorte Cup for the most improved followed by Graeme Kerr 179.15, Neal Hambridge 176.7, Geoff James 175.7, David Wallace 171.8 and Brian Houlihan 171.5.
What a great result with only 11 points separating top score from the lowest score, this consistency has been the backbone and success of the ECDRA team this year. The VRA Medal scores were Graeme Kerr 117.11, Marty Kelly 116.9, Geoff James 112.5, Neil Hambridge 109.4, Brian Houlihan 108.2 and David Wallace 107.4.
Over a nice cold drink after the heat of the day and competition the presentation of trophies took place for the various categories. The focus of conversation then changed on how to further improve skills on how to identify the same conditions especially when the wind dodged the flags. A focus of the day was also practicing waiting for the right wind conditions within their allocated 15 minutes per 10 shot shoot.
Also discussed was the outstanding groups shot during the day especially Graeme Kerr’s group at 600 yards which was only 32mm high - about the length of an old fashioned match box. Outstanding shooting. Just as well the practice was so intense as the next shoots are long range 900 and 1000 yards at Bendigo and Rosedale. We wish those going to these shoots well while those who are shooting locally please consult the calendar for the most up-to-date information.