WBS v WBS VRC OWBA July Weekend 2012 – The Crowl Cup
Today saw not only the beginning of a new shooting season between the school and the WBS VRC, but also a new era of shooting at the school. Dennis Morgan 87-12 S, the Senior Staff Instructor retired after 25 years of service. The VRC would like to thank Dennis for all his hard work and commitment over the years, and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Dennis’s replacement is Captain Mark Woodward of the Royal Engineers. Mark, who was Regimental Careers Management Officer for Chivenor-based 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, is from a long-established Devonian family. His uncle, Robert Hutchinson, ran the Small Arms Corps at Bisley for many years. The VRC welcomes Mark to his new role as SSI at the school, and wish him the best of luck in future shooting matches!

So, once again, both teams squared up in the shorts range with the usual blend of the experienced and inexperienced. We had the customary failure of one of the modern Anschutz match weapons, so both teams used one Anschutz plus an ancient No.8 .22 service rifle.

Richard Heywood 77-81 F and Andrew Broggio 82-87 F went down in the first detail, against pupils Christian Turner and Matt Dixon, and clocked up an 18-point lead for the VRC. Brothers Stuart a80-85 C and Richard Morris 80-88 C went next for the VRC, scoring well with a combined tally off 111. Mel Thompson 07-12 G and Cicely Pring rallied well with an excellent combined score of 128. At the halfway stage, we were at level pegging. Lewis Pring 78-83 C and Colin Sellars 77-82 F were the next veterans up, notching up 114. The school brought in two junior cadets (for their first match shoot), their inexperience was reflected in their tally of 56, but it was great to see a new generation of shooters taking part.

Mike Baggs 67-71 F and I went down last for the VRC and made 121. Emily Small, the school Captain and Ruan Pring, the youngest cadet, combined on 94, and the VRC romped home with a 70-point lead to retain The Crowl Cup. Cicely Pring achieved the highest score of the day, and won the Heather Ludlow trophy for the third consecutive year. Well done to her, especially for beating her father, Lewis, yet again

Our thanks to Captain Mark Woodward for organising the shooting match so well and better luck next time.

Chris Wilson Captain WBS VRC 67-72 B