For the Old Cranleighan Rifle Club (‘OCRC’) the 2022 season started in earnest in March with a combined short range practice fixture which we shared with the Cranleigh School team. Some good progress was made by all. Sadly logistics meant we were unable to field a team for the Short Range ‘Q’ Match in April, but we had better showings in the ‘All Day’ Match and the Long Range ‘Q’ Match, gaining a 2nd place finish in the latter behind the Old Lawrentians whose 371.25v marginally eclipsed our 367.27v. Whilst we officially had a match against the School in June, their team was a tad short on numbers and OCRC retained the Eilley Cup (team). Ruari Barbour-Smith once again won the Welford Trophy (high-scorer from the School) – last occasion, he is now an OC!
In July, the School entered a team of five in the Bisley Schools’ Meeting competing in the Ashburton Fours and many other NRA competitions. OCs Robert Welford and Simon Hayton volunteered to help coach the School team during the Ashburton week. OCRC recognises the efforts of Maj. Money in reviving competitive target rifle shooting at the School. We hope to continue to support the development of the School’s shooting team which OCRC applauds.
The NRA Imperial Meeting in July was as eventful as ever. OCRC put in a good performance in the Schools Veterans match where our score of 239.25v (ex 250) placed us 14th out of 42 entries. Our top scorer was Richard Bourne, winning the Simmonds medal with an admirable score of 50.7v (ex 50). Of our usual ‘Q’ match rivals, we were second only to the Old Bedfordians who scored 240.26v. Robert Welford and Simon Hayton went on to compete in the individual and county competitions (both representing London) at the meeting. Simon Hayton qualified for the Final of HM The Queen’s Prize, the blue-ribbon event. He shot brilliantly and, according to the leader board, was leading at one time and then lying 3rd after 900 yards. Challenging winds at 1000 yards sadly slowed his progress but he went on to finish a very creditable 29th with 287.34v (ex 300).
Finally, in August, at the OCRC annual Prize Meeting, Simon Hayton won the Jackson with 100.7v (ex 100) and the long-range with 46.4v. Tim Bourne prevented a clean sweep by retaining the Lovesy with a respectable score of 48.6v. Nevertheless Simon also won the aggregate with a score of 194.16v which he said “.. was a relief … needed to put in some good scores!” It is here we should note that Simon has been selected to represent Great Britain as part of the 2023 international touring team to Canada. OCRC congratulates Simon on this accolade which is a recognition of his excellent shooting ability and his capabilities. Although Cranleigh has in the past had ‘GB cadets’, Simon is the first OC to represent Great Britain in target rifle shooting. This is a milestone.
Despite some very encouraging shooting, 2022 has been bittersweet for OCRC. In August we received the sad news of the death of Edward ‘Ted’ Eilley, our long-serving and very popular former Hon Secretary. Having joined in 1956, Ted fulfilled various roles before most notably becoming Honorary Secretary during the period 1973-2008. The club ran seamlessly under his guidance. Indeed he welcomed the majority of the current membership into the club as new members. As well as being a strong target rifle shot, Ted was unfailingly pleasant, patient and supportive. Undoubtedly, the club would not exist in its present form without his efforts. We owe him a debt of gratitude.
As always OCRC would be delighted to welcome new members to the club. Prior experience of target shooting of any kind is helpful, but ultimately not a requirement for joining. We are able to tutor beginners up to a competitive standard in a safe and friendly environment. If you would be interested in a ‘taster’ and attending a guest day, please do not hesitate to contact our Hon Secretary, Simon Hayton (ocrc.hon.sec@outlook.com).
Ted Eilley competing in the 2000 P.S. Veterans competition
OCRC President, Robert Welford, congratulates the school team on their efforts at the Bisley Schools’ Meeting
Simon Hayton competing in HM Queens’ Final, 2022
Robert Welford presents the Lovesy trophy to Tim Bourne
