Lothian Smallbore Shooting Association

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Competitions & Results

The Association provides a wide-ranging selection of competitions for its affiliates.  All take place in the winter indoor season (October to March).

Competitions overview
County teams
Shoulder-to-Shoulder League
Team Postal League
Individual Postal League
Championships
CYOH
Air Rifle & Pistol
3P
World Cup
 

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Association Clothing

Archive material
 

                                                                                                                                       

News	(See bottom of page for archived news)

Cites & Boroughs Match 2010 7th August 2010

The detailed scores have just reached the webmaster, and they show that Edinburgh have won again, extending the winning sequence to six years in a row.  Congratulations to the whole team.  The medals will be distributed in due course.  Take the County Teams link on the left to see the full scores.

James W Scott 27th July 2010

It's with much sadness that I have to announce that Jim Scott (snr) of Pathhead Rifle Club died on Friday last week.  He will be missed not only by his family and clubmates but all who knew him in the shooting community here.  He was a lovely guy. The funeral will take place at Mortonhall Crematorium on Monday 2nd August at 4.30pm, followed afterwards by a small tea at the Braidburn Inn, 200 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh.

Annual General Meeting 24th May 2010

The AGM of the Association will be held at Balerno & Currie's range on Thursday 10th June 2010 commencing at 7.30 pm.  The agenda and prizelist are being circulated by email to club contacts.  These documents are also available to view/print from here and here respectively. All members of affiliated clubs are entitled to attend. Please send any apologies for absence to the Secretary at secretary@lssa.org.uk. The prize presentations will take place after the meeting, and it is hoped that as many prize-winners as possible will be able to accept their awards in person.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder League - Champion of Champions match 1st May 2010

The Champion of Champions match took place last night at Pathhead's range.  This match is between the winners of Division 1 and Division 2, held on a handicap basis.  The winners were Selkirk (winners of Division 1), beating Watsonians by a very narrow margin.  Take the Shoulder-to-Shoulder league link on the left to see the details. After a gap of several years, this match has been reinstated into the calendar and it is hoped to make it an annual event once again.

County Team leagues 26th Apr 2010

The results of the final rounds of all the County Team Leagues have just arrived.  Unfortunately none of our teams won their division, which is the first time that has happened for many years.  Our best performers were the Women's team (2nd in Division 2) and the Junior Reserves team, who were narrowly beaten into 2nd place in their division.  Take the County Teams link on the left to see full details of all teams.

Individual Postal League 7th Apr 2010

The final results of the Association's Individual Postal League are now available.  Take the link on the left to see full details.

Individual Championship 31st Mar 2010

The Final of the Association's Individual Championship took place last Saturday at Balerno & Currie.  The winner after an extraordinary run of scores was Alasdair Horne of the host club.  Alasdair shot six cards and dropped only one point on his way to winning his three knock-out rounds.  He defeated David McConnell (Redcraig) in round 1 (200 - 190), Niall Georgeson (Pathhead) in round 2 (200 - 193) and in the final he beat Jim Hind (Pathhead) by 199 to 192.  His qualifying score was 199 too, so this must surely be the finest shooting ever seen in this competition. In the 3rd-4th place shoot-off, Jim Hind beat his clubmate Niall Georgeson to take the 3rd-place medal.

Call for Trophies 31st Mar 2010

The Association's Trophy Convenor, Dougie Duff, has issued an appeal to all clubs and individuals who hold any Association trophies to return them to him as soon as possible so that they can be engraved prior to the AGM//Prizegiving in May.  Several are getting a bit behind and have to be brought up to date. If you don't know his address, contact the Association Secretary (secretary@lssa.co.uk) who will be delighted to help.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder League 26th Mar 2010

The S/S league has finished and the results are as follows: Division 1     1st   Selkirk              Top Average award - Bill Vaughan (Selkirk) Division 2     1st   Watsonians       Top Average award - Rhona Dove (Watsonians) In both divisions, the Matchplay award also goes to the division winners. Take the link on the left to see full details.

Team Postal League 24th Mar 2010

The final round of the Team Postal League has just been completed and the winners are now known: Div 1:  Watsonians A pipped their local rivals Balerno & Currie by a point after beating them in a  well-contested final round deciding match.  Balerno must be rueing losing their last two matches as Watsonians also tried to throw it away by losing their round 9 match too. Div 2:  Orkney A won this one by a point from Leven A, who also rather spoilt their chances by losing their last two matches.  Orkney had the best average, so maybe justice was done. Div 3:  Watsonians' B team made it a club double by taking this division from George Watson's College B.  GWC beat their elder counterparts in both their matches, and had the best aggregate of the three teams tieing on points for second place.  They lost other matches to teams putting in good scores against them. Div 4:  Newcomers Heriot Watt University took this division quite comfortably from Orkney B.  Both teams shot consistently, but the students were just too good for the rest despite their only loss in their first match Div 5:  George Watson's B team went one better than their clubmates.  They also only lost one match in winning this division over last year's winners Leven B, who chased them all the way and had a slightly better average.. The Best Average award again goes to Alasdair Horne of Balerno & Currie with 99.6. The Best Improvement award goes to Ian Thomson of Watsonians with a + 33.3% improvement over his average last season. What goes around, comes around, as Ian was instrumental in negotiating the donation of the impressive Smith Shield and instituting this award in the first place (in 1999). Take the link on the left to see full details of this season's competition.

Individual League - February 14th Mar 2010

The scores and results for the second sets of results of the Individual Postal league are now available.  Take the link on the left to see full details.

Choose-Your-Own-Handicap Team KO championship - Final result 12th Mar 2010

The Final of the Association's CYOH championship took place recently on the neutral territory of Prestonpans' range, and resulted in a win for Selkirk A over Pathhead.  Selkirk keep the Tom Hastie Memorial Shield in the club, their B team having won it last year. Take the CYOH link on the left to see the detailed results.

'World Cup' championship - Final result 7th Mar 2010

The Final of the Association's 'World Cup' competition took place yesterday at Balerno & Currie's range and it resulted in a fifth win for Alasdair Horne. He first won it in 2003 and has only lost it three times since then - a magnificent achievement. Alasdair (R) receiving his trophy (Photo: Anne Hamilton) After a sticky start on his first card, his true form reasserted itself and he thoroughly deserved to win. The highlight of the day must be his tie-break win in the quarter-final after both he and John Sinclair (Wick Old  Stagers) scored 200. Alasdair scored another 100 in the tie-break and John lost with a 99, dropping his last shot.  Congratulations also to runner-up James Brown (Watsonians), who scored four 100s in a row in the quarters and semis, but unfortunately couldn’t keep it going in the final.  Alasdair himself scored seven 100s in his 12 cards. Third place went to last year's winner Martin Sinclair (EU Alumni) who beat the first-ever winner of this competition in 1991, Tim Kidner of Bon Accord.  Tim has been trying to win this again ever since and has come very close on numerous occasions - 2nd four times, 3rd twice and 4th once. The earlier start seems to have been a success and will be continued in future, although the afternoon was delayed a little with two tie-breaks and some serious regauging in the Plate and Bowl subsidiary competitions.  The former was won by Patrick Jess (St Andrews) who beat Hugh Simpson (Wick Old  Stagers) in the final, and the Bowl was  won by Bill Vaughan (Selkirk), beating clubmate Ian Burton in that final.. The competitor who had furthest to travel - Bobby Spence of Orkney - presented the prizes. Take the World Cup link on the left to see the detailed results.

Championships 5th Mar 2010

The first stage of the Association's Individual Championship has been completed.  There are 8 qualifiers who proceed to the Final stage knck-out competition, to be shot at Balerno & Currie RC on Saturday 27th March.  Alasdair Horne of B&C leads the qualifiers with a score of 199. The subsidiary Championships are all decided on the first stage, and the winners are: Ladies:                   Miss B Burnside (Watsonians) Veterans:               W Graham (Lanark) Junior:                    S Law (George Watson's College) Inexpert 'A' Class:   No returns Inexpert 'B' Class;   R Newell (George Watson's College) Congratulations to all.

County Medal - update 2nd Mar 2010

We're half-way through the County League programme and the race for the County Medal couldn't be closer, with Carl Broughton and Steve Watterson on exactly equal averages after five rounds.  Simon Riley is not far behind but he will  drop out of the running after round 6 as he will not complete the full set (gone abroad).  Unless 4th-place Laura Moore improves dramatically over the closing stages, it looks like one of these two will win this coveted award. Take the County Teams link on the left to see the full table.

County Awards 26th Feb 2010

The attention of all shooters who are members of a Lothian County Team is drawn to the decision of the LSSA Committee taken at the start of this season to resurrect the County Awards scheme.  This award is made in recognition of the contributions our shooters make in representing their county.  A one-off award will be made to any member of any County team (except a reserve team) who has completed all ten rounds for two consecutive years.  The first awards will be made at the end of this season, so will reflect participation in both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.  The award will take the form of  a special badge, as it used to be in the past, and the badges will be presented at the annual prizegiving.  The award criterion will be kept under review.  A “Roll of Honour” will be maintained on this website. Note that this award is distinct from the County Medal, which is given to the shooter with the highest average over all the non-Reserve County Teams.

CYOH Final 18th Feb 2010

The Final of the Choose-Your-Own-Handicap club team knockout competition will take place at Prestonpans RC on Tuesday 9th March between Selkirk A and Pathhead.  Take the link on the left to see the details of the semi-finals.

Individual League - January 16th Feb 2010

The scores and results for the first round of the Individual Postal league are now available.  Take the link on the left to see full details.

New Calendar 30th Jan 2010

Regular readers with eagle eyes might have spotted a new item on the menu bar at the top.  This is a Calendar of events, giving the dates of various happenings in the area and beyond.  The webmaster will be happy to accommodate additions if you or your club wish to publicise an event.

County Knock-Out - update 15th Jan 2010

Please see the item immediately below.  Lothian's cards have miraculously just turned up with the scorer, and as a result, due to our two unshot cards, we have lost the match.

County Knock-Out 9th Jan 2010

Lothian's cards for round 2 of the NSRA Inter-County Knock-Out competition were lost in the post. This came to light when the results came out and we were given a 'no return' against Buckinghamshire.  The Captain immediately protested to the NSRA as he had a certificate of posting from the post Office, and we have been granted an re-shoot.  The team is shooting these cards as soon as possible.

Unauthorised targets 9th Jan 2010

Here is an extract from the NSRA website: "Many clubs have been approached by Targets Direct offering NSRA look-alike targets for sale. You should be aware that: a) We have been advised by our solicitor that in many instances NSRA copyright appears to have been infringed and we are taking action against Targets Direct. b) The use of these targets is not permitted in NSRA-organized competitions." This effectively means that, as LSSA competition regulations say that unless otherwise stated, NSRA rules apply, then the use of these targets in our competitions is not allowed, and consequently any that are used will not be scored.  See NSRA Rule 1.10.8.  NSRA targets can be recognised by either the Roberts signature or the NSRA logo printed on them.. There is nothing to stop clubs using these unofficial targets for internal club purposes.

Watsonian Rifle Club Open Meeting 5th Jan 2010

Watsonian Rifle Club will be hosting their annual Open Meeting soon.  Not only is this a new time of year to hold the competition but the format has changed to a two-day event on the 6th and 7th February 2010. The Open consists of 60 shots at 25 yards shot in 10 minute timed details. There are 5 classes A-E with additional prizes for Under 21, Under 18 and Under 15's, there are also Veterans, Ladies and Team competitions. The "Bun Room" will be well stocked to keep your strength up... Entry forms are available on request from here.

BSA Cup & Women's County Match 3rd Nov 2009

The results are now in for the 2009 matches.  The BSA Cup team could only manage 7th place (out of 11 in Section A) - our worst position for some years  Our score might see us relegated to Section B of this competition for the first time ever. The Women did better, coming 4th.  Only two points covered 4th - 7th places, and we came out on top of that particular pile thanks to the single 100 in our ten cards which won the 4th/5th place tie.

County Medal 23rd Oct 2009

For as far back as anyone can remember, the NSRA County Medal has been awarded annually to the competitor in the Shoulder-to-Shoulder league with the highest qualifying average who has not won it before (it cannot be won twice by the same person).  In view of the lack of support for this league in recent years by many of the county's top shooters, a proposal was put to the Executive Committee to change the criterion for making this prestigious award so that it would be given in recognition of a higher standard of shooting than has recently been shown in the S-S league.  Accordingly, at last night's Executive Committee meeting, it was decided that, commencing this season, the County Medal will be awarded to the shooter with the highest average over all ten rounds in any of the Main County Team, the Women's County Team, the Junior County Team or the prone component of the 3P team in the indoor County Leagues. It is intended that this will return the honour and prestige this award used to have for achieving something special.  It is a solid silver medal and deserves to be won for a recognisably superior performance, as it used to be. Possession of this award entitles the winner to free entry for life to the NSRA's County and League Medal Winners' competitions at its national meetings. Club secretaries are being advised of this change by post (PO strikes permitting).

Commonwealth Cities Match 23rd Oct 2009

Edinburgh has won the prestigious Commonwealth Cities match once again.  Despite putting in a lower than usual performance, the city team beat perennial challengers Auckland into second place by the convincing margin or 26 points to retain the trophy.  Congratulations to the whole team, especially to Sinclair Bruce of Balerno & Currie on scoring the maximum of 200 points. Take the County Teams link on the left to see the full scores.

Postal Strike - Team Postal League and World Cup competitions 20th Oct 2009

In view of the apparently inevitable and imminent strike by the Post Office it has been decided to suspend the rule requiring cards to be delivered to the organiser by the Saturday following the last date for shooting.  This applies to Round 1 ONLY, and will be kept under review as the situation develops, and may or may not be applied to subsequent rounds.  Competing clubs will be advised in due course.  Dates for shooting are not affected. Please post (or hand-deliver if that's an option for you) your cards as normal.

Balerno & Currie Open Meeting  12th Oct 2009

Balerno & Currie Rifle Club are pleased to announce that their popular Open Meeting will be held at their range on Saturday/Sunday 7th/8th November. The course of fire is two 30-shot competitions plus an aggregate in four classes, with a concurrent Junior competition along with Pairs and teams of three.  The first detail is at 10am each day. Catering will be provided.  There is a trophy for each Class winner plus unique BCRC medals to be won. To request an entry form, email this contact.

County Leagues

5th Oct 2009

The cards have been issued to clubs for the 2009-10 County postal team leagues.  The first round is due for 26th October (9th Nov for the Reserves team, whose league runs one round behind the others).  The Main team remains in Division 2 (5th last year).  The Reserves team, which came a poor 5th in Division 4 last year have been placed in Division 5 this year on the declared averages.  The Women's team, having contended for 1st place up to the last round in Division 3 last season, remain in that division where they must have another good chance of winning.  We have entered two Junior teams this year, for the first time for some years, and they are in Divisions 1 and 3 respectively. The 3P team is of course in Division 1 again.  The NSRA have summarily cut the 3P team size from four to three, so we shall have to see how that pans out but we're looking to improve on last year's 3rd place. Lothian has also entered an air rifle team, also for the first time in some years, and have been placed straight into Division 1.  Middlesex, Surrey and Forth & Clyde have been 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the last two years and I'm certain our team has the potential to break into that little club. Take the County Teams link on the left to see the full teams, the timetables of matches and opponents round by round.  Estimated scores and confirmed results will be posted there as soon as they are available so come back regularly to check the progress of all our teams. In the first round of the County Knock-out Lothian has been drawn against Sussex, who should provide us with a stiff test.  The cards for that are due to be shot by 12th October.

Team Postal League

5th Oct 2009

The stickers for this league have been issued to all participating clubs. The first round is due on 19th October.  There is a net gain of 5 teams this season, so there are no Bogey rounds in any of the five divisions.  Heriot's have dropped out, which is disappointing, but newcomers Orkney have entered a couple of teams to join their near neighbours in the north from Pentland and we also welcome back George Watson's College.

 

Shoulder-to-Shoulder League

5th Oct 2009

The fixtures meeting for the S/S League took place recently and the competition is up and running. Take the link on the left to see details.  The first match took place on 1st October. The absence of Prestonpans this season means that there are only three teams on Division 2, which consists of Dalkeith, Watsonians and Redcraig.  Division 1 comprises Selkirk, George Heriot's FP, Pathhead and Balerno & Currie.

County and City matches

5th Oct 2009

Over the last couple of weeks, representative teams from both Edinburgh and Lothian have been shooting in the Commonwealth Cities matches (Edinburgh) and the BSA Cup and Women's County matches (Lothian).  While scores have been poorer than in recent years, we are still hopeful of recording decent placings.  Take the County Teams link on the left to see the estimated scores.  The results should be out in November.

"World Cup" entries closed	5th Oct 2009
Entries for the Association's "World Cup" competition have now closed and the competition is under way.  A late major trickle of entries (hardly a flood) have brought the total number of competitors up to 58.  This is a far cry from only two years ago when it was oversubscribed, and 66 last year, so something seems to be happening to reduce the entry somehow.  Answers on a postcard please.

Need more "World Cup" entries!	18th Sep 2009
Entries for the Association's "World Cup" competition are coming in very slowly, and with only 3 days till the published entry closing date of Monday 21st, it's currently uncertain whether the competition can actually go ahead unless a lot more entries flood in soon.  If anyone is still considering entering, please send in the form now please.  The deadline will be extended for a few days.

Archived News:
Sep05 - Aug06
Sep06 - Aug07
Sep07 - Aug08
Sep08 - Aug09

(This News page is archived each September, so one whole indoor season's worth is always visible)

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