Richard Wilson.
SHOOTING
RICHARD Wilson has had the perfect preparation the European division of the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Jersey next weekend, with great results domestically.
Richard, a member of Shanklin Rifle and Pistol Club, gained his second England cap this year with two successive team wins.
Having been part of the winning team at the recent home countries international competition held during the British Long Range Championships at Bisley, Surrey, Richard was selected again for England, for the British 50m Championships, as part of a team of three.
Shooting again at Bisley, but in the Lord Roberts shooting centre, with a course of fire of 60 shots in 75 minutes, Richard shot a little below par on the Saturday, although the weather conditions were quite good, the wind was proving to be a bit tricky at times.
He scored 587 out of a possible 600, which combined with the scores of fellow team mates Richard Chasemore (589) and Ken Parr (587), was enough to have a marginal win over the other home countries of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This match was a qualifier for the individual championship the following day, and his score was well within the cut.
Sunday was far different to Saturday, with falling temperatures, heavy rain and gusting winds providing a tough challenge.
With a steady 40 shots fired (99, 100, 98, 100) Richard had to get up for a break, not a normal thing to do. He was shaking so much with the cold it was difficult to keep the sights on a steady aim.
Mindful of the time, and a quick warm up, he stayed focused to shoot a total of 593 which was enough for third, one place better than last year.
He said afterwards: "That was the coldest I have ever been. It was so hard to stay focused, but you have to keep going."
Richard is now preparing for the competition in Jersey with fellow Islander Matt Reed, also a member at Shanklin.