5-9-2013.
Nine days have passed. Time for some post-analysis of the scores as this Championship unfolded.
Open Team members and supporters were too busy to record these details, nor was there any wish to - a good thing too.
Without any disrespect to Great Britain, Canada or Ireland, only scores for Australia, the USA and South Africa are noted, as those Teams occupied the top three positions throughout the two days of competition.
Day one was hot with strong, switching winds. It was very uncomfortable for the shooters and mind-sapping for the coachers.
At the opening 800, Australia shot the highest score for the Championship, 599/600, to lead the USA by 4-2.
F CLASS OPEN WORLD CHAMPIONS, AUSTRALIA
Moderator: Mod
-
John T
- Posts: 248
- Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:42 pm
- Location: Brisbane
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 74 times
South Africa won 900 with 582 from Australia on 579 and a disappointed USA on 573. Was 900 to be their bane? AUS 1178-128, RSA 1174-93, USA 1168-110.
No break, now the big test, 1000. A relieved USA shot 559-38 to Australia's 553-31 to restore their deficit at the end of Day one to 4-11. AUS 1732-159,
USA 1727-148, RSA 1715-126.
Day two was significantly cooler, a relief to all. The wind was moderate and twitchy but less demanding than Day one. Improved scoring with closer competition was expected. So it was at 800, RSA 597-67, AUS 595-74, USA 595-73.
The margins were now 4-12 to the USA with South Africa 10-28 further back.
Whilst Australia did not, and did not want to know the state of play, it's a good bet that the ubiquitous Shiraz Balolia (US Captain) saw that a deficit of 4-12 could be overcome with 900 and 1000 to shoot.
At 900, Australia devastated the opposition- AUS 592-60, USA 584-54, RSA 576-40.
The lead had exploded to 12-18. The USA had been consumed by it's bête noire, 900 yards.
Unaware of the drama at 900, Australia won 1000 with 572-46, USA 569-33, Great Britain 563-29.
The margin of 15-31 was almost 2-4 per shooter.
Some lesser details; Australia won three ranges, was second to South Africa twice and once to the USA. It won both Days, by 4-11 and by 11-20.
Four shooters were in the Top 10, 1st. 3rd. 4th. 8th.
Despite the apparent dominance, both the Open and F TR Teams worked hard under constant pressure, on and off the mound, to prepare and compete in this great event. Exhaustion was a daily occurrence, so much so that one more day could have been an undoing.
They gave all they had.
John Tracey.
06-09-2013.
No break, now the big test, 1000. A relieved USA shot 559-38 to Australia's 553-31 to restore their deficit at the end of Day one to 4-11. AUS 1732-159,
USA 1727-148, RSA 1715-126.
Day two was significantly cooler, a relief to all. The wind was moderate and twitchy but less demanding than Day one. Improved scoring with closer competition was expected. So it was at 800, RSA 597-67, AUS 595-74, USA 595-73.
The margins were now 4-12 to the USA with South Africa 10-28 further back.
Whilst Australia did not, and did not want to know the state of play, it's a good bet that the ubiquitous Shiraz Balolia (US Captain) saw that a deficit of 4-12 could be overcome with 900 and 1000 to shoot.
At 900, Australia devastated the opposition- AUS 592-60, USA 584-54, RSA 576-40.
The lead had exploded to 12-18. The USA had been consumed by it's bête noire, 900 yards.
Unaware of the drama at 900, Australia won 1000 with 572-46, USA 569-33, Great Britain 563-29.
The margin of 15-31 was almost 2-4 per shooter.
Some lesser details; Australia won three ranges, was second to South Africa twice and once to the USA. It won both Days, by 4-11 and by 11-20.
Four shooters were in the Top 10, 1st. 3rd. 4th. 8th.
Despite the apparent dominance, both the Open and F TR Teams worked hard under constant pressure, on and off the mound, to prepare and compete in this great event. Exhaustion was a daily occurrence, so much so that one more day could have been an undoing.
They gave all they had.
John Tracey.
06-09-2013.
Thanks John,
I am certainly glad I didn't know all this on the mound at the time - would have been far more stressful.
A few other tidbits of information for the homeviewers. We shot these matches back to back with no lunch break. Basically could have been 4.5 hours on the mound straight. Luckily the 800's were in fairly easy conditions and it was worth pushing through these quickly before the winds came up which gave us a little break. But for the other ranges we used the bulk of the time. Shooters didn't complain once and some were stuck there for ages. e.g. Mark and Julie in the 4 man were on the mound for an hour but this was a common occurrence for all and it was hot and dusty and not overly comfortable.
I am certainly glad I didn't know all this on the mound at the time - would have been far more stressful.
A few other tidbits of information for the homeviewers. We shot these matches back to back with no lunch break. Basically could have been 4.5 hours on the mound straight. Luckily the 800's were in fairly easy conditions and it was worth pushing through these quickly before the winds came up which gave us a little break. But for the other ranges we used the bulk of the time. Shooters didn't complain once and some were stuck there for ages. e.g. Mark and Julie in the 4 man were on the mound for an hour but this was a common occurrence for all and it was hot and dusty and not overly comfortable.
-
AlanF
- Posts: 7532
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:22 pm
- Location: Maffra, Vic
- Has thanked: 229 times
- Been thanked: 936 times
DaveMc wrote:... it was hot and dusty and not overly comfortable.
Some would suggest that the Americans chose Raton as the venue because only they were accustomed to the conditions there. If you look on the GB F-Class site, it worked for them at least - they struggled with the heat. However I think that decision played into our hands somewhat. It was pretty much identical to the conditions at Bendigo before they moved it from early March into April, so most of us had seen it before. Plus we had a secret weapon to counter it, by the name of Nicky Slee MD. Particularly in the earlier days of the events, she was systematically walking around reminding all our team members about hydration and sun protection. Another important contribution to our successful team effort.
On a more amusing note, Dave Zerbe, having gracefully accepted that he would not be shooting in the final 8, gained notoriety as the team's very conscientious "security guard", keeping the opposition's "spies" out of our designated team area of the mound. Amongst his unfortunate victims were the webmaster of 6mmBR, and wait for it, the Chairman of ICFRA!
-
BATattack
- Posts: 1345
- Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:29 pm
- Has thanked: 92 times
- Been thanked: 280 times
AlanF wrote:DaveMc wrote:... it was hot and dusty and not overly comfortable.
Some would suggest that the Americans chose Raton as the venue because only they were accustomed to the conditions there. If you look on the GB F-Class site, it worked for them at least - they struggled with the heat. However I think that decision played into our hands somewhat. It was pretty much identical to the conditions at Bendigo before they moved it from early March into April, so most of us had seen it before. Plus we had a secret weapon to counter it, by the name of Nicky Slee MD. Particularly in the earlier days of the events, she was systematically walking around reminding all our team members about hydration and sun protection. Another important contribution to our successful team effort.
On a more amusing note, Dave Zerbe, having gracefully accepted that he would not be shooting in the final 8, gained notoriety as the team's very conscientious "security guard", keeping the opposition's "spies" out of our designated team area of the mound. Amongst his unfortunate victims were the webmaster of 6mmBR, and wait for it, the Chairman of ICFRA!
Blahaha beware of the ginger ninja . . .. He will bite you off at the knees!!
-
RDavies
- Posts: 2336
- Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2006 7:23 pm
- Location: Singleton NSW
- Has thanked: 715 times
- Been thanked: 760 times
+1 on the good read John.
Some memories I have of the team shoot are that on the first day, the forecast was for 24 kmh winds. For the 800yd range in the morning, the winds had not yet reached full strength, but were twitchy. The coaches styles appeared suited to these conditions and out of 120 shots fired, only one point was dropped by our team. As we moved up to 900yds, the real Raton conditions kicked in and it looked like we would be getting the 24 kmh twitchy winds with big changes in speed and direction.
After we finished shooting for the 1st day, I checked the forecast which was for 14 kmh winds. All 3 of our coaches had shot brilliantly the individuals in the lighter conditions, all getting some possibles with high X and V counts. After their great performance at 800yds in similar conditions, I realized that barring unforeseen incidents, we realistically stood a good chance of improving on our lead to win the World Championship. I must point out that even though I say the conditions were lighter, it was in no way like some of the easier shoots we have at home. The mirage was usually fairly strong and flags kept changing, often pointing in all 4 directions.
On the morning of day 2, conditions were similar to the start of day 1. As the day progressed and we moved back, conditions did pick up, but not as windy as the previous day. While the winds may not have been as strong, there were some big changes. The coaches made text book use of pilot sighters and made full use of time limits, knowing when to run and when to stop. I didnt see what the flags were doing when I was shooting, but I know I would get some long rest periods while the 3 coaches chatted back and forth. They would then wind on a big wind correction into the scope and it was time to rock and roll again.
While we all made a point of not looking at other teams scores, the onlookers were discussing the state of play openly. It was not until we had finished the final range that we began to discuss the likelihood that we had won. No one came to tell me that we had actually won until 15 minutes after we had finished shooting. Even then I did not want to say too much until we saw it on the board. Once the results went on the board, it really sunk in.
WE HAD DONE IT
Some thanks are in order for those who made it possible.
Thanks to Linda Shehan. Without her energy and tenacity in getting 2 teams to USA, it would have been like the last few FCWCs where we all sat around the computer saying how good it would be if we could get a team together next time.
To the managers, Jenni Hausler and Julie McEwan. Very few people would realise the massive amount of work you did in the back ground. I know that what many others saw you do was just the tip of the iceberg.
To the coaches. An awesome combination. Simply , You 3 won it for us.
To the other team members in F/TR and F Open. Another great combination. Next time we do it, I couldn't pick a better group of men and women to do it with.
To the helpers and supporters. Your work in the background was an integral part of the whole event. I wish we could have a few more medals to pass around, you deserve some as well.
Thanks.
Some memories I have of the team shoot are that on the first day, the forecast was for 24 kmh winds. For the 800yd range in the morning, the winds had not yet reached full strength, but were twitchy. The coaches styles appeared suited to these conditions and out of 120 shots fired, only one point was dropped by our team. As we moved up to 900yds, the real Raton conditions kicked in and it looked like we would be getting the 24 kmh twitchy winds with big changes in speed and direction.
After we finished shooting for the 1st day, I checked the forecast which was for 14 kmh winds. All 3 of our coaches had shot brilliantly the individuals in the lighter conditions, all getting some possibles with high X and V counts. After their great performance at 800yds in similar conditions, I realized that barring unforeseen incidents, we realistically stood a good chance of improving on our lead to win the World Championship. I must point out that even though I say the conditions were lighter, it was in no way like some of the easier shoots we have at home. The mirage was usually fairly strong and flags kept changing, often pointing in all 4 directions.
On the morning of day 2, conditions were similar to the start of day 1. As the day progressed and we moved back, conditions did pick up, but not as windy as the previous day. While the winds may not have been as strong, there were some big changes. The coaches made text book use of pilot sighters and made full use of time limits, knowing when to run and when to stop. I didnt see what the flags were doing when I was shooting, but I know I would get some long rest periods while the 3 coaches chatted back and forth. They would then wind on a big wind correction into the scope and it was time to rock and roll again.
While we all made a point of not looking at other teams scores, the onlookers were discussing the state of play openly. It was not until we had finished the final range that we began to discuss the likelihood that we had won. No one came to tell me that we had actually won until 15 minutes after we had finished shooting. Even then I did not want to say too much until we saw it on the board. Once the results went on the board, it really sunk in.
WE HAD DONE IT
Some thanks are in order for those who made it possible.
Thanks to Linda Shehan. Without her energy and tenacity in getting 2 teams to USA, it would have been like the last few FCWCs where we all sat around the computer saying how good it would be if we could get a team together next time.
To the managers, Jenni Hausler and Julie McEwan. Very few people would realise the massive amount of work you did in the back ground. I know that what many others saw you do was just the tip of the iceberg.
To the coaches. An awesome combination. Simply , You 3 won it for us.
To the other team members in F/TR and F Open. Another great combination. Next time we do it, I couldn't pick a better group of men and women to do it with.
To the helpers and supporters. Your work in the background was an integral part of the whole event. I wish we could have a few more medals to pass around, you deserve some as well.
Thanks.
-
RAVEN
- Posts: 1979
- Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:37 pm
- Location: Adelaide South Australia (CTV)
- Has thanked: 97 times
- Been thanked: 137 times
I would like to express my honour and gratitude to the management Jenny and Julie for doing a wonderful job in being able to round up this herd of cats and get us all over there and organised the work that these two individuals undertook can never be understated.
The captain's Linda & Rod for her unrelenting passion and drive in forming and keeping the team together though thick and thin.
My fellow coach's FO & FTR for guiding the shooters through the treacherous conditions.
The shooters for their tenacity and focus in getting their rifles and equipment to the competitive standard required and having faith in us as coaches to guide their bullets to a victorious result.
The supporters whom travelled with us to Raton and the supporters and club mate back home to whom with out their assistance would not have made this all possible.
THANK YOU ALL
What a great experience this was for most a shooting career high just to compete on the world stage as one member said to me across the lunch table after it was over this was my dream to compete in the world's one day and never in my wildest dreams would I have though we would win and another shooter sitting next to me was in tears of joy being able to share such an experience with this bunch of great Australian marksmen and women is the most rewarding thing anyone could wish for.
Initially I hade some reservations that not all team members would pull together well I was proved wrong the team mound procedures will now be the bar that all other countries will aspire too I had a good feeling on about day 2 of the USA Nats that there would be good things ahead.
The team was quietly confident and the closer we came to the main event the more focused each individual became.
The systems put in place ran flawlessly and the coaching system developed by the 2 Daves and Pete Smith are revolutionary I would put money on the rest of the world adopting this system in the future.
We were and are now a CHAMPION TEAM not a TEAM of CHAMPIONS
The experience gained will I’m sure make us all better competitors being able to adapt and overcome is the true Aussie spirit.
In regard to the individual events all the Aussies had some great results
Being in the top 50 in the world is a monumental achievement in my view.
And having to contend with sickness, altitude and foreign environment put us all out of our comfort zone to varying extents.
The FTR team and individual performed exceptionally well considering that this is a new discipline in Australia lets hope the NRAA catch up soon and included it in the SSR’s so that future potential Australian team members get the match practise they need to even do better next WFC 2017
Marty (El Gringo) Lobert shot extremely well over the USA Nats and the Worlds with a little luck I reckon and a little unlucky not to take it out in the end a fantastic effort by a deserving marksman.
Marty also had some reloading issues in regard to case donuts and short throat but manager to over come them in time.
Dave Mc did well also although was unable to bring the form that he had been in Australia not sure what the issues were.
Reloading in a foreign environment was also something the team had to deal with basically a pain in the A
We were very fortunate that Jenny managed to arrange the Ajax rifle club house for our exclusive use this saved us many ours of extra travel and being able to leave our gear set up I think this was another pivotal thing that allowed the team to perform at its best.
Taking loaded ammo from home that was working and comparing it to the USA powder equivalent was also very valuable tool the use of MAGNETO Speed Chrony's was also a great move.
Although Rod managed to barrel one (sorry Rod) the ease of set up was a great time saver and time was in short supply.
Most found that the USA powder was a faster version than our home load and required a 1 - 2 grain reduction to get it back to the sweet spot.
Others also had equipment issues or load issues that they mostly were able to contend with the best one was Stuart and his Bat action having issues with the bolt as something was galling and causing erratic trigger release and had difficulty with closure and extraction.
No probs all you have to do is bump into Thomas (Speedy) Gonzalez and get invited to his place to have is bolt machined to correct the issue.
Being able to rub shoulders with the legends of our sport is and experience in itself. WOW
And these people are wonderful polite and helpful Stan Pate USA FTR Team for instance a true gentleman and all-round good bloke just one of many.
There are many stories to tell and I’m sure in the coming weeks these will be shared by members of the team with the forum members.
Richard Braund
Head Coach
FO Team Australia 2013 WFC
The captain's Linda & Rod for her unrelenting passion and drive in forming and keeping the team together though thick and thin.
My fellow coach's FO & FTR for guiding the shooters through the treacherous conditions.
The shooters for their tenacity and focus in getting their rifles and equipment to the competitive standard required and having faith in us as coaches to guide their bullets to a victorious result.
The supporters whom travelled with us to Raton and the supporters and club mate back home to whom with out their assistance would not have made this all possible.
THANK YOU ALL
What a great experience this was for most a shooting career high just to compete on the world stage as one member said to me across the lunch table after it was over this was my dream to compete in the world's one day and never in my wildest dreams would I have though we would win and another shooter sitting next to me was in tears of joy being able to share such an experience with this bunch of great Australian marksmen and women is the most rewarding thing anyone could wish for.
Initially I hade some reservations that not all team members would pull together well I was proved wrong the team mound procedures will now be the bar that all other countries will aspire too I had a good feeling on about day 2 of the USA Nats that there would be good things ahead.
The team was quietly confident and the closer we came to the main event the more focused each individual became.
The systems put in place ran flawlessly and the coaching system developed by the 2 Daves and Pete Smith are revolutionary I would put money on the rest of the world adopting this system in the future.
We were and are now a CHAMPION TEAM not a TEAM of CHAMPIONS
The experience gained will I’m sure make us all better competitors being able to adapt and overcome is the true Aussie spirit.
In regard to the individual events all the Aussies had some great results
Being in the top 50 in the world is a monumental achievement in my view.
And having to contend with sickness, altitude and foreign environment put us all out of our comfort zone to varying extents.
The FTR team and individual performed exceptionally well considering that this is a new discipline in Australia lets hope the NRAA catch up soon and included it in the SSR’s so that future potential Australian team members get the match practise they need to even do better next WFC 2017
Marty (El Gringo) Lobert shot extremely well over the USA Nats and the Worlds with a little luck I reckon and a little unlucky not to take it out in the end a fantastic effort by a deserving marksman.
Marty also had some reloading issues in regard to case donuts and short throat but manager to over come them in time.
Dave Mc did well also although was unable to bring the form that he had been in Australia not sure what the issues were.
Reloading in a foreign environment was also something the team had to deal with basically a pain in the A
We were very fortunate that Jenny managed to arrange the Ajax rifle club house for our exclusive use this saved us many ours of extra travel and being able to leave our gear set up I think this was another pivotal thing that allowed the team to perform at its best.
Taking loaded ammo from home that was working and comparing it to the USA powder equivalent was also very valuable tool the use of MAGNETO Speed Chrony's was also a great move.
Although Rod managed to barrel one (sorry Rod) the ease of set up was a great time saver and time was in short supply.
Most found that the USA powder was a faster version than our home load and required a 1 - 2 grain reduction to get it back to the sweet spot.
Others also had equipment issues or load issues that they mostly were able to contend with the best one was Stuart and his Bat action having issues with the bolt as something was galling and causing erratic trigger release and had difficulty with closure and extraction.
No probs all you have to do is bump into Thomas (Speedy) Gonzalez and get invited to his place to have is bolt machined to correct the issue.
Being able to rub shoulders with the legends of our sport is and experience in itself. WOW
And these people are wonderful polite and helpful Stan Pate USA FTR Team for instance a true gentleman and all-round good bloke just one of many.
There are many stories to tell and I’m sure in the coming weeks these will be shared by members of the team with the forum members.
Richard Braund
Head Coach
FO Team Australia 2013 WFC
To All you Aussies I met in Raton
G'Day Mates,
(see I've even learned to talk some Australian)
I wanted to again express my congratulations to everyone of you who
braved the trip,endured the challenges and excelled in your performances.
Not only that, but it was just plain good old fun to be able to shoot the matches with you as well as shoot the BS.
Great memories
Looking forward to the days when you again take to the air and come up to visit us in Canada in 17.Hoping to be there myself to raise a little hell and assist you all in your "shopping needs"(yes we have KMart's in Canada.)
Remember you don't have to wait til 17 to visit.
As they say in the commercial...we'll keep a light on!
and please pass this along for me ...Game on Mike!
Use the magic in that hat sparingly Dave!
and Marty...the "Players" up here think you'd fit right in if you regrew the stash,and wore your paisley shirt and Safari Jacket.I'm sure we could find you some platform shoes to fit..
Well done Team Oz
Regards
Gord O
Unsponsored,Unsupported,Near broke,Canadian F Class Competitor
(see I've even learned to talk some Australian)
I wanted to again express my congratulations to everyone of you who
braved the trip,endured the challenges and excelled in your performances.
Not only that, but it was just plain good old fun to be able to shoot the matches with you as well as shoot the BS.
Great memories
Looking forward to the days when you again take to the air and come up to visit us in Canada in 17.Hoping to be there myself to raise a little hell and assist you all in your "shopping needs"(yes we have KMart's in Canada.)
Remember you don't have to wait til 17 to visit.
As they say in the commercial...we'll keep a light on!
and please pass this along for me ...Game on Mike!
Use the magic in that hat sparingly Dave!
and Marty...the "Players" up here think you'd fit right in if you regrew the stash,and wore your paisley shirt and Safari Jacket.I'm sure we could find you some platform shoes to fit..
Well done Team Oz
Regards
Gord O
Unsponsored,Unsupported,Near broke,Canadian F Class Competitor
-
Range Mum
- Posts: 153
- Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:53 pm
Many thanks for the kind words 
It was a pleasure to be your Manager.
A lot of work/jobs is on a Managers list & I appreciated the efforts & helped by Julie when deligated for assistance.
Some may not be aware of the endless hours involved BUT the final product was awesome to have the F Open team trophy to bring home to Aust.
Plus remembering the team efforts of Australia where everyone helped, assisted and pulled together to have the largest medals haul for one country to gain 23/29 team members taking home medals. The stream of yellow going to collect was noted and commented on by various countries that attended.
Thanku Thanku an event well worth being at and witnessing & proud to be Australian on a World Stage...... as stated before a Champion Team
It was a pleasure to be your Manager.
A lot of work/jobs is on a Managers list & I appreciated the efforts & helped by Julie when deligated for assistance.
Some may not be aware of the endless hours involved BUT the final product was awesome to have the F Open team trophy to bring home to Aust.
Plus remembering the team efforts of Australia where everyone helped, assisted and pulled together to have the largest medals haul for one country to gain 23/29 team members taking home medals. The stream of yellow going to collect was noted and commented on by various countries that attended.
Thanku Thanku an event well worth being at and witnessing & proud to be Australian on a World Stage...... as stated before a Champion Team
Jenni Hausler
Manager 2012/13 -
Bloemfontein S. Africa
Manager 2012/13 -
FCWC Raton - New Mexico
Manager 2012/13 -
Bloemfontein S. Africa
Manager 2012/13 -
FCWC Raton - New Mexico
-
Sam Walker
- Posts: 134
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 3:19 pm
- Location: South West of WA
- Has thanked: 38 times
- Been thanked: 6 times
Can't beat the Safari suit and some paisley!!!
Hi Gord.
Modern fashion is all the go here...Paisley is back in and Safari Suits never went out!!!
Enjoy
Marty.
Modern fashion is all the go here...Paisley is back in and Safari Suits never went out!!!
Enjoy
Marty.
Now if you only had the stash back!!!!
Just add a Detroit Fedora Hat (in purple) a few gold teeth for your "grill"
and a "boom box" radio balanced on your shoulder.....you'd fit RIGHT in.
Glad to see you made it home ok after your U.S. walkabout. Whenever you feel the need to see some of Canada....we'll keep the light on.
You just might enjoy some green vs rock & gravel mounds.
Fall is starting here and leaves are changing already.Hunting season soon.
Gotta fill the freezer.
Enjoyed our chats and the chance to shoot together.
Hope to make the next one.
Regards
Gord
Just add a Detroit Fedora Hat (in purple) a few gold teeth for your "grill"
and a "boom box" radio balanced on your shoulder.....you'd fit RIGHT in.
Glad to see you made it home ok after your U.S. walkabout. Whenever you feel the need to see some of Canada....we'll keep the light on.
You just might enjoy some green vs rock & gravel mounds.
Fall is starting here and leaves are changing already.Hunting season soon.
Gotta fill the freezer.
Enjoyed our chats and the chance to shoot together.
Hope to make the next one.
Regards
Gord
Menu
Newest members