Last Monday saw the final fixtures of the Isle of Man Rifle Association Winter League. Laxey posted the highest team score of the round, securing a 484–274 victory away at Kirk Michael. Gemma Kermode, Harry Creevy, and John Wood all recorded excellent 99s, while Perryn Watson and Richard Kijak replied for the home side with 95s.

Castletown also picked up a road win, defeating Sandsiders 482–465 on the one-spot electronic scoring system at the Sinclair Range. For the hosts, Andy Traynor and Jean Quaye topped the scoresheet with 97 and 96 respectively, while visiting shooters Richard Arthur, Nigel Christian, and Rhian Masson all posted 97s, helping the southern side secure the Division 1 runners-up spot.

The closest match of the round saw Sulby host Douglas, with the home side edging it 479–475. Mark Cain chalked up 98, followed by Julian Teare and Pete Faragher on 97s. For the visitors, Christian Eaton scored 97, while Sharon Christian added 96. It proved a vital win for Sulby, as defeat would have seen Douglas draw level on points.

Division 1

Sulby                           Douglas

Mark Cain 98             Christian Eaton 97

Peter Faragher 97      Sharon Christian 96

Julian Teare 97           Mark Osborn 95

Orry Teare 96             Sam Jones 94

Ben Stevens 91          Dave Kneale 93

Total 479                     Total 475

Sandsiders                   Castletown

Andy Traynor 97         Nigel Christian 97

Jean Quaye 96            Richard Arthur 97

Steve Callus 95            Rhian Masson 97

Ian Kneale 90               Ian Arthur 96

Kath Barrett 87            Robin McFee 95

Total 465                      Total 482

Kirk Michael                  Laxey

Perryn Watson 95        Gemma Kermode 99

Richard Kijak 95           Harry Creevy 99

Sue McKnight 89          John Wood 99

                                        Adrian Cowin 95

                                        Bree Cowin 92

Total 279                        Total 484

Division 2

Sulby                                Douglas

Mark Boyd 90                Sam Cartwright 89

Peter Webb 90

Will Fenton (J) 89

Bob Radcliffe (J) 87

Tom Radcliffe 86

Total 442                         Total 89

Sandsiders                        Castletown

Phil Kneen 76                  John Brewis 95

Terry Green 69                Steve Gardner 92

J. Kneale (J) 62                D. Watterson 92

                                          Andrew Bell 89

                                          J.P Bridson 88

Total 207                         Total 456

Laxey (walkover)

Stephen Curphey 88 

Division 3

Sulby (walkover)

Lizzie Radcliffe (J) 82

Rod Forshaw 84 

Total 166

POSTSCRIPT

Port St Mary once again finished as the dominant force in the league, winning the title with a consistently high standard of shooting and strong numbers throughout the season. Their form in the closing rounds only reinforced that position, as they won all six of their final matches.

Castletown secured second place after a strong run-in, producing a series of solid results, with their only defeat in that period coming against the champions in a high-scoring derby.

Laxey’s shooters continued to post high scores to take third place, but ultimately lacked the depth to challenge the southern clubs. Sulby, finishing fourth, showed mixed form, though with a core of experienced shooters and improving novices, they will be aiming to push on next season.

Douglas, in fifth, proved capable of high scores but were hampered by a lack of numbers, while Sandsiders showed encouraging turnout in the latter part of the campaign and will look to build greater consistency during the off-season.

Kirk Michael struggled to field a full team throughout the season, but with a couple of additions over the summer, they should be better placed to compete and pick up points next year.

A report on individual honours will follow in due course.

Team                     Won   Lost   Points

Port St. Mary       17       1         34

Castletown          13       5         26

Laxey                   12        6         24

Sulby                     9         9         18

Douglas                7       11         14

Sandsiders            4      14           8

Kirk Michael         0      18           0