Shooting

On paper Victoria has the strongest team ever to attempt to capture the Haslam Shield, the standard of rifle shooting has improved to such a degree however, that it would be impossible to predict a victory.

Certain new rules are being used for the first time, notably that aperture sights may be used if the windguage is set at zero, and that each hit on the snap target counts 3 instead of live as previously. Victoria has nearly always had the edge on the field in snap shooting and this new rule will be to their disadvantage.

Certainties for the team: Jimmy Hogg who was the stiffest man on the range last year, since he earned a Blue but was not awarded one. We feel sure that he will be a morty this year. Apart from one magpie he has been shooting bulls for most of the season. John Fletcher who did very well last year is the stylist of the team. His weapon is in perfect order and the care which it receives is reflected in its high polish. He should be well up in the list. Athol Howarth is perhaps the greatest shooting prospect ever to come out of V.U.C.—he has four N.Z.U. Blues already and his tiger killer is in good form. Ian Henderson at least has a new rifle and this time he should be up with the leaders. Brian Perry, also with four N.Z.U. Blues, but mostly for miniature shooting, has pensioned off a No. 4 rifle which should have been scrapped years ago. With a good rifle he should be hard to beat.

The other two members of the team have not been selected at the time of going to [unclear: pie] but prospects are Ed. Williams, one of the Fulbrights, who has shot [unclear: tureys] in Arizona, Colin McNab who is rapidly improving and Denis Pinfold, who shot against us several years ago when he represented C.U.C.

The shooting team will not be lowering the colours without a struggle.