SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 - PETITCODIAC - THE MARTIN F. TOPF RIMFIRE BENCHREST CHAMPIONSHIP - RESULTS

Another full year has passed since the last time we all got together to commemorate one of our great shooting friends at the Martin F. Topf Rimfire Benchrest Championship. Martin would have been
pleased with the tight competition in what proved to be very tricky conditions. Everyone was at the top of their game and shot very well even though some disappointments were keenly felt with shots that went astray. 

This final rimfire championship of the Petticodiac Sportsman's Club was hosted by them today, at the Petitcodiac ranges. The event is always a highlight of the year as it is both a prize event and an opportunity for shooting friends to get together - a great friendship and shooting event.


The weather certainly did not disappoint. The day started out with cool "jacket" temperatures which gradually increased to a rather warm afternoon. The sun was out, but the angle at this time of year, did not glare or interfere much with sighting. There also was very little, if any, mirage. 

The wind, as is usual for Petitcodiac, was active all day but did not change very much from morning to afternoon or from relay to relay. It was from all over the range with the dominant winds being from the left and from 6 o'clock. There were also periods of calm and headwinds. It was not hard to find a condition that would return regularily. Some of us made the mistake of shooting in a calm condition when we were sighted in for a certain direction. This did cost a number of us a point or two.

The championship was divided into two parts - the first target of 25 bulls was shot in the morning followed by a lunch break and then the second set of 25 bulls. Quite a few 250 scores were recorded for the first target. Those shooters were a bit on edge in the second set, as one little mistake would cost them a position as a top shooter. Those who had shot a 499/498 in the first set of targets were also a bit on edge as their performance in the second set would have to be superlative to be eligible for a top shooter status. As a result some very good shooting took place.



Today, the championship was organized by Volker T. who was the match director as well as the head scorer. He even ran to get the targets after the last relay so he could score them before having lunch. The verifiers were Dan G. and Shelly C. On the firing line, Darryl K., Dan G. and Shelly C. were the Range Officers. The targets frames were repaired by Tony L. Targets were set and changed by Barb J., Volker T., Norbert S., Mike C., Shelly C., Dan G., Cecil H. and Bruce B. The delicious breads, available during the match, were brought by Barb J. Many many thanks to all those who helped out today.

Between the two sets of targets we were treated to a very nice lunch organized by John C. Shelly C's treats were available in abundance for those not afraid of a sugar rush in the afternoon. Many thanks to John and Shelly for a fine lunch.

After shooting was finished and the scores were finally tallied, we all went back to the club house for the presentation of the awards for this match and also for the year-end awards in rimfire benchrest shooting.

The following awards were presented:
1.  Plaques for the Petitcodiac team shooters who had prevailed in our annual rimfire team match at 100yds. These included Dan G., Darryl K., Chris S. and Volker T.
2.  A plaque for the High Match Score of 2018 - Bert deV.
3.  A plaque for the High Single Target of 2018 - Volker T.
4.  The Martin F. Topf Championship trophy + cash - Bruce B.
5.  A plaque + cash for second place - Guy H.
6.  A plaque + cash for third place - Darryl K.
7.  A medal + cash for fourth place - Bert deV.
8.  A medal + cash for fifth place - Dan G.

RESULTS - MARTIN F. TOPF CHAMPIONSHIP:
Bruce B. - 500/23X
Guy H. - 500/21X
Darryl K. - 499/22X
Bert deV. - 499/20X
Dan G. - 499/15X
John Mo. - 499/12X
Volker T. - 498/23X
Matt McA. - 498/20X
Cecil H. - 498/15X
John Co. - 497/18X
Mike C. - 496/15X
Dave C. - 496/14X
Malcolm McA. - 495/12X
Gerard D. - 494/15X
George M. - 494/15X
Barb J. - 494/13X
Norbert S. - 489/15X
Tony L. - 486/12X
Shelly C. - 484/11X
Don M. - 483/14X
John McC. - 482/11X

After a few words, all shooters who did not place, were part of a draw for the many nice prizes that were obtained by John C. Then we all went home - tired but happy after a long day of shooting and good times with friends.
Photography courtesy of Barb J., Darryl K. and Bert deV.