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Sun 24 Aug 2003
The 121st Prize Meeting � some thoughts written on the day after it ended �
Sunday 24th August 2003.
In nearly all respects, the DCRA�s 121st Annual Prize Meeting was a great
success. We have enjoyed 10 days of excellent competition in almost every sort
of weather conditions, BUT with the major exception that it did not rain at all
during shooting hours. In fact, there was just one thunderstorm in the middle of
one night. We started off with the great power failure and we ended with all the
power of high winds. We had heat and cool, light winds and the gales of the last
two days. Conditions yesterday were as difficult as anyone could remember.
With the relatively moist summer that Southern Ontario has had this year,
Connaught was looking quite green. This year, we did have water and proper
toilets � there is much work going on in the camp, which should make it a more
comfortable place in the future.
The Range, Butts and QM Staff all did a very fine job. Pat Quinn and the young
ladies from Smiths Falls enhanced even further their world-wide reputation for
excellent butt-marking. DCRA Office and Statistical Staff worked very long
hours, all to good effect.
The highlight of the meeting was again the performance of Alain Marion in
winning the Grand Aggregate (for the 10th time), the Canadian TR Championship
(Bisley Aggregate � for the 11th time, and the Governor General�s (for the 5th
time). In all respects Alain bestrides the Canadian shooting world like a
colossus!
There were many other fine achievements, including stellar scores by many
cadets. The International Matches were a little one-sided with only a small team
from the USA in opposition. Honours in the Under 25 matches were even, with GB
winning the short range and Canada the long. The Athelings narrowly won the
Michael Faraday. Ontario and BC split the honours in the Provincial events, as
did NCRRA and Cedar Springs at the club level.
Competition in the F Class was certainly fierce, with very strong performances
from Canadians, Americans and Germans.
The main regret is, of course, the low level of entry. There seem to be many
factors behind this, including perhaps: the post-Palma syndrome � many people
simply used all their time, money and energy at Bisley in July � this
undoubtedly kept many Canadians and Americans away; the most unfortunate shift
of schedule by the USA NRA at Camp Perry has recreated a clash of dates which we
had eliminated by shifting ours a few years ago (we can�t do it again); the new
�Spirit of America� Match to be held at Raton starting next weekend � this has
meant that some people have decided not to travel from the south and west to
Ottawa. And the legacies of paranoia due to SARS, West Nile Virus and Mad Cow
Disease may also have had their effect.
Whatever the reasons, those who did not come missed a very good meeting! We hope
very much that next year will see the return of many of this year�s absentees as
well as the arrival of new participants. Americans particularly, please note
that you NEVER have to go into the butts (pits) � the closest you ever get to
them is 300 yards away!
We welcome comments and suggestions for the improvement of our matches. Please
send these to the DCRA Office by early October so that they can receive proper
consideration for 2004. The Programme and other details of the 122nd Prize
Meeting will be available early in the New Year.
It�s been a pleasure to write these daily notes again this year. I thank all who
have looked at them, especially those who have sent comments directly to me. As
I struggle to compose the deathless prose and to stay awake in the sleepy
midnight hours, it's good to know that there is worldwide interest in what's
going on!
Jim Thompson
CFRC Programme Chairman
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Ranges Shot Today
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Matches & Aggregates Completed Today
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AMERICA 300 S-S
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THE AMERICA MATCH (S-S)
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AMERICA 600 S-S
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AMERICA 800 S-S
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AMERICA 900 S-S
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