NZ Palma Team Report 7
Wednesday 5 th
Hi folks. We have just finished the US Championship which was shot over 3 days. Was good weather with plenty of tricky little winds which was good fun. Some good individual results at some of the ranges. Brad shot the first day 1 down and had a high center count at other matches. I managed a 75.14 at 300 for a win and Helen, John Mc, Alan and I topped the team in the overall agg.
Some of the team chose not to shoot today so as to get some rest for the matches coming up. Between the heat, start times, ammo loading after shooting and lack of sleep because of noisy bars and tooting b#$%&+ trains, a few of the troops are looking a bit jaded. Tomorrow the U25 Team will compete in a 5 man coached match from 300 to 1000 yds. We wish them well and will be there to support them as they battle against the big kids from the big nations. Friday will be the America teams match where all the main team will be shooting under the coaches. It will be a good showing for the selectors to be able to pick the Palma team for next week.
Every morning on the range, which is an army range, we have Colours, which is the firing of a canon then the USA National anthem played over speakers. It makes the neck hair bristle as everyone stands rock solid at attention and a lot salute right through. They are very patriotic. Even cars driving down the range road will stop and drivers get out and stand proud.
As most of you will be aware, our Team Captain, Malcolm was unable to travel over because of surgery and had hoped to come over later, however he has decided that he and Gail cannot make it in time for the main match, so will not come over. Bitterly disappointing for Malcolm with all the preparation he had put into the team over the last few years. We wish him all the best in his recovery and I will try my very best to fulfill his roll over here.
Photo is of the tents they have given each team at the rifle range to use as a day room. Comes complete with noisy air condition and electricity from a dirty great diesel generator!
Regards
Bevan
