On Saturday 19th May, six cadets from Shiplake College CCF accompanied by Lt Johnston and Plt Off Bayley attended the 11 Brigade South West Schools Competition Shoot held on the Electronic Target Range (ETR) at Chilcombe Ranges near Winchester.
The aim of the weekend was for the cadets to enjoy the experience of shooting the Cadet Scorpion Air Rife, and L98A2 Rifle in a competition setting. The main competition involved shooting 20 rounds from the L98A2 at 100m (Prone), 200m (Kneeling) and 200m (Fire Trench). With a total score of 60 overall, the cadets knew that only the best scores would ensure them a place in the final competition shoot at 300m (Prone). Considering that for 3 of the cadets, this was the first time live firing this weapon system, nerves were high.
At the first distance, Cdt Sintsov and our youngest competitor Cdt Hayward in year 10, started well with scores of 19 and 17 respectively, but were overshadowed by the experience of the more senior cadets with Cpl Sichel posting a perfect score of 20. However at 200m some of the cadets aim started to go a little wayward as discipline waivered under the beating hot sun. However in the Fire Trench Sgt Firth and Cdt Vlahovic managed to creep their scores up closer to 60 and first time shooter Cdt Martin earning Shiplake College CCF top shot with an impressive score of 43/60. Good shooting from Cdt Martin and Cpl Sichel earned them a place in the final with cadets from the other attending detachments. The final round involved a 20 round competition shoot from 300m (Prone). Cpl Sichel made a valiant effort, however Cdt Martin managed to creep into 3rd place overall, and forced the judges to use the Small Arms Range Targetry System (SARTS) in order to measure the overall grouping of landed shots and be able to differentiate between those competing for the final podium spot. All cadets shot brilliantly, with the Range Conducting Officer commenting on all of the Shiplake College cadets application of fire and overall shooting technique.
All the cadets involved had a thoroughly enjoyable day, despite missing the Royal Wedding and would like to thank all staff involved from the Cadet Training Team at 11 Brigade for organising the event and Lt Johnston and Plt Off Bayley for escorting them and assisting with the range duties.
