IoMSC Douglas produced their best result since the reorganising of the new scoring format of the Isle of Man Rifle Association League, with a 14 point win in Division 1, over a fifteen man Castletown team on Monday evening. Top score of the night for the Douglas side went to Michael Duncalf posting a terrific full house very closely followed by Mark Osborn and Mike Clague who both
recorded 99’s. John ‘Doc’ Brewis claimed top spot for the visitors with an excellent 98 and a disappointed Nigel Christian posted 97 – unfortunately, Nigel lost his three points on his last three targets, which must have been very frustrating. Castletown were the only team to produce a full 15 man team from the 4 matches on the night. IoMSC Douglas were victorious in Division 1 and Division 2 with the win going to Castletown in Division 3.
Port St Mary hosted IoMSC Sandsiders with the home team taking the honours in all three Divisions. In Division 1, four members of the southern team scored equally, Ashley Gardner (J), Paul Clague, Harry Harrison and Ashley Gardner (Snr) all posted 97’s with 12 year old Patrick Cubbon, shooting in his first league match, making up the five man team on 96 – a magnificent introduction to the sport. The Port team also have another 12 year old waiting in the wings, Callum Grant, who also shot a personal best score of 96 to head Division 2. It is terrific to see these youngsters shooting so well – the future of shooting on the Island looks to be in good and safe hands. Richard Arthur claimed the top spot for the visitors on 98, 2 points ahead of last year’s IoMRA Island Champion, Marion Jones.
The two northern neighbours, Cossacks and Kirk Michael had their match at Sulby Cossacks range with the home team claiming victory with the second highest score of the week. Jess Clague, celebrated her birthday with a magnificent full house and three juniors, Jonathon Webb, Alfie Leach and Fergus Coulter all producing excellent 97’s for the home team. This Cossack team which is mainly made up of junior shooters have now proved their expertise in league competition and will no doubt produce even better results as the season progresses. A rather depleted Kirk Michael team produced a score of 470 which on many occasions could win a 5 man match. Top shot for the visitors was Kevin Quinn with a 95, it is great to see Kevin’s name back on the shooting results sheets after his recent illness.
Just ten shooters travelled over Snaefell to Laxey Glen Gardens and came away losers by 8 points in Division 1 with the Laxey team scoring 488 to Sulby’s 480. Harry Creevy was the top shot for the home team with Stephen Curphey close behind on 98 – Laxey had three shooters John Wood, Judy Kee and Suzanne Curphey all recording 97’s making up the Division 1 team. Orry Teare posted 97 with three of their shooters Mark Cain, Teddy Sayle and Mark Boyde all on 96’s and Peter Faragher making up the Division 1 team recording a 95. It is very unusual for Sulby, one of the most consistent teams in the league, to be so thin on the ground and it is hoped their numbers will increase in the near future.
