28 October 2026
Crowe Claims Veterans Title As Wood Retains Oake Memorial Trophy
Port St. Mary’s Les Crowe came out on top in the Veterans competition, held midweek at Laxey and District Rifle Club’s range, while Laxey’s John Wood retained the Oake Memorial Trophy.
The opening round featured three shoulder-to-shoulder knockout contests, with the winners progressing to a three-way final. The highest-scoring competitor aged over 60 in the opening round also claimed the Oake Memorial Trophy.
Wood produced an excellent 98 to retain the trophy he won last year, edging out Laxey teammate Harry Creevy by a single point. Adrian Cowin, also of Laxey, recorded 97 to overcome Port St. Mary’s Donna Gardner, who posted 93, while Crowe defeated Castletown stalwart Steve Gardner 97–93.
With the Veterans title going to the highest scorer in the final, Crowe produced another 97 to secure victory. Wood finished runner-up with 95, while Cowin took third place on 92.
Crowe’s victory came with an Anschutz rifle whose barrel is something of a veteran itself, having seen more than half a century of service.
“It’s over 50 years old, but it’s still in perfect condition,” he explained.
The rifle previously belonged to Cliffy Clague, who used it until he retired from shooting. With Crowe now representing Port St. Mary, the rifle has, as he puts it, “gone back home”.
Crowe's own shooting career began at 14 with Sulby Rifle Club. He later took a six-year break from the sport to pursue motorcycle racing before returning to the firing point.
Still competing regularly, Crowe travelled to Bisley earlier this year, taking part in both the weekend and week-long competitions.
First Round
Adrian Cowin 97 – 93 Donna Gardner
Harry Creevy 97 – 98 John Wood
Les Crowe 97 – 93 Steve Gardner
Final
Les Crowe (Port St. Mary) – 97
John Wood (Laxey) – 95
Adrian Cowin (Laxey) – 92