Overview
This has been another exciting year for the Old Cranleighan Rifle Club (OCRC). We ended last season with Tim Bourne commencing training with the 2025 NRA Channel Islands touring team, and Simon Hayton helping to secure a narrow win for England at the European Long Range Championships, and gaining a 4th place finish in the individual stage.
Starting a busy 2025 schedule in April, OCRC narrowly took 2nd place at the Short Range Q Match, having warmed up with our annual pre-season training weekend held jointly with the Cranleigh School team. In May, OCRC won the inter-schools All Day Match trophy by a clear 8 points with a score of 746.52 ex 800, against some very strong competition in some challenging conditions.
During May, Tim Bourne, as part of the 2025 NRA Team, departed for matches against the Channel Islands. The team comprises uncapped but talented county level shooters with the aim of preparing them for international selection. Tim was part of an imposing team and achieved the second highest score for the NRA in the Guernsey match with a perfect 150 ex 150.
OCRC then progressed to our annual match against Cranleigh School in June which served as a great warm-up for both teams in preparation for the CCF Schools’ Meeting and NRA Imperial Meeting respectively. Despite a strong improvement in the school team’s scores, OCRC was victorious.
OCRC and Cranleigh at the CCF Schools’ Meeting
In July, members of OCRC once again volunteered to coach, mentor and support the Cranleigh School team during the main CCF Schools’ Meeting. Building on last year’s knowledge and experience, 2025 saw the School team achieve an outstanding result by coming 3rd in the Schools’ Ashburton IV’s with a score of 349.13 ex 420 across 300, 500 and 600 yards.
This was another momentous result for Cranleigh School on an upward trajectory and we cannot wait to welcome the team members to the OCRC in a few years’ time.
The Schools’ Veterans
The annual match saw the OCRC pit our best team of five against those of all other UK school alumni clubs, including heavy hitters such as Bradfield, Epsom, and Wellington. We had a fair showing but arguably not to our full potential given the calibre of shooters. We scored 241.24 ex 250 and achieving 21st place ex 45.
The NRA Imperial Meeting
OCRC had another good showing in the Imperial Meeting in July with a record five OC’s taking part. Four OC’s represented their respective counties – with Rob Welford and Simon Hayton taking a record win in the Astor County Clubs Championship for Wimbledon Common RC (London), and Tim and Richard Bourne representing Hertfordshire. Simon also achieved his second National Match cap for England, again being part of a victorious team.
Richard took home 18 medals to break his ‘tyro’ status and on the strength of these results, was selected to be part of the NRA’s development squad for 2025/6 as well as making the reserve spot for the England Lions squad. Off the back of a very strong 2024/5, Tim Bourne was selected for the 2025 England Lions Squad and Simon Hayton was selected to be part of the Great Britain touring team to the USA and Canada in 2026, and GB’s initial training squad for the 2028 World Championship Team.
Looking Forward
The OCRC is in excellent shape with several members now representing county and country. The club looks forward to continued growth this year at all levels as well as continuing our support of Maj. Money’s Cranleigh team which we expect to continue to generate new OCRC members over the coming years.
OCRC is always open to new membership enquiries from Old Cranleighans, young or old, experienced or not. You do not have to have shot whilst at the school since we are equipped to coach novice members up to whatever standard they will wish to shoot to. Please contact ocrc.hon.sec@outlook.com if you wish to join us.
