Conlon claims top spot in new rifle season

This story includes contributions from Daniel Irvine and Michael Potts.

The weather was fine but the wind difficult this past Saturday as 14 members of the Murray Bridge Rifle Club competed in the second round of its new championship year from the distance of 500 metres.

Only two possibles were scored on the day, one each to Mark Nesti and Adrian Conlon, both in F-Open.

Conlon, however, followed his 60.06 with a 59.06 to take out the top off-rifle prize 119.12 to Nesti’s 118.09.

John Cranwell wasn’t far off the pace either with 117.06.

The top F- Standard shooter for the day was once again evenly split between Peter Casley (111.06) and Bryan Robertson (111.02), with Casley claiming the prize on centres.

The runaway handicap winner for the day was Adrian Conlon, pipping Nesti by almost three points.

In Target Rifle, daily honours went to Mark Whittle, who having returned to Sporting Production Class, this week had a go at TR and proved he hadn’t forgotten anything, winning the top off-rifle and the handicap award.

His off-rifle 97.08 was two points clear of next best Greg Traeger and Rob Paech who finished with 95.09 and 95.07 respectively, while his handicap score was also almost three points clear of Steve Howard in second place.

• Next week competition continues from 700 metres.

Hooray for Ray

Popular B grader Ray Fetherstonhaugh capped off a fine 38 point round with victory in Saturday's Stableford competition.

On a day where most players found scoring tough going despite the fantastic fine weather Ray's not long but down the middle game really came to the fore.

As humble a player as there is in the entire club he made light of it all saying he was lucky.

Yeah, right, well deserved Ray.         

The course has finally seen a bit of rain making it in great condition although a bit tougher out on the new 8th and 9th layouts where the drains and water hazards are eagerly snapping up wayward shots.            

No worries though for Fabian Poharama who led in the A graders with a classy 37 point effort.

Big Joe Marcus, now enjoying a bit more freedom out in B grade these days, took out this grade with 35 points while Nathan Wright topped C grade with 34 points. 

Still a few more wintry Saturdays to come yet before sunny Spring hits and everyone's favourite Par competition awaits this weekend.

Email your sports reports to liana@murraybridge.news.