The Champion of Champions match was shot today over four ranges, 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards.   Previously the match was shot in conjunction with the Queens and consisted of 15 shots at 600 yards.   The District Rifle Association Champions, open and Under 25s, shot shoulder to shoulder on the Duncan range at Belmont.   Congratulations to the winners Colin Cole, North Arm Rifle Club and Dean Smith (U25), Crows/Nest Goombungee.   Dean Smith top scored with 197.18 and we believe this may be the first time that an Under 25 competitor has top scored in this match.   Colin Cole has now equalled his wife Karen's record of four Champion of Champions wins with a score of 196.16.   Jim Dickenson and son Mick shot off against one another in what may be another first.

Match Results - Open Champions
Colin Cole, North Arm RC, LDRA 196.16, Ken Lobwein, Ipswich RC, SEDRA 195.15,
Darrel Baker, Brisbane RC, MDRA 195.13, Rod Prayle, Maryborough RC, WBDRA 194.24,
Jim Dickenson, Sthn Downs, SDDRA 188.22, Mick Dickenson, Darling Downs, DDDRA 178.11
Under 25 Champions - Dean Smith, Crows Nest/Goombungee RC, DDRA 197.18,
Dale Arrowsmith, Biloela RC, CQDRA, 189.18, Sam Harrison, Uni of Qld RC, MDRA 186.10

Congratulations to the 2008 MDRA Champions
Darryl Baker, Brisbane RC and Sam Harrison, University of Qld RC
receiving their trophies from MDRA President Helen Griffiths

From the MDRA:   On Saturday 1 March, a fine but windy day after a week of showers, eleven competitors lined up to contest the Senior and Under 25 Champion of Club Champions of the No 1 Metropolitan District Rifle Association.  Of the seven senior competitors, Darryl Baker of Brisbane Rifle Club emerged for the third time as the winner of that section.  Proud of his “Senior” status, Darryl outranked Ernie Mace of Central Club only by Vs. 

Of the four Under 25 competitors, the tussle after two ranges showed Chris Wolfe of Brisbane Mariners in the lead with a score of 99.  However, at the end of the blustery winds at 900 and 1000 yards, his luck had run out, with the winner Sam Harrison of University of Queensland club coming in one point ahead of Dominic Whalan of Natives Club.   

The MDRA committee wishes to congratulate the winners and all participants for “having a go” as well as to thank them and their loyal supporters who scored, check scored, and marked targets, and for other volunteers including Range Officer Gordon Duncan who contributed to the success of the occasion.