Port St. Mary set a new season-high score in the third round of the Isle of Man Rifle Association’s Winter League, beating southern rivals Castletown 490–477.
Ben Kelly, Paul Clague and Donna Gardner chalked up a trio of 99s for the home side.
For the visitors, Nigel Christian posted 98 but was disappointed to have dropped his first and last shots, while the improving Charles Carter recorded his Winter League best with 95.
At the Sinclair Range, Laxey claimed a 480–452 victory over hosts Sandsiders. Jean Quaye topped Sandsiders’ score sheet with 99, a mark matched by Laxey’s Harry Creevy.
Adrian Cowin contributed 98 for Laxey, while John Wood made it three consecutive scores of 97 — a habit he will be keen to improve on by a point or two.
Douglas secured a road victory at Kirk Michael despite missing a couple of regulars. Matthew Roosen took the individual honours with 98, while the hosts welcomed back Noah Mayne, who chalked up 95.
Mayne has concentrated on 50-metre outdoor shooting in recent years and last competed at short range in 2019. Kirk Michael will be hoping they do not have to wait another six years for his next appearance.
Division 1
Port St Mary Castletown
Ben Kelly 99 Nigel Christian 98
Paul Clague 99 Rhian Masson 96
Donna Gardner 99 Charles Carter 95
Ashley Gardner 97 John Brewis 94
Les Crowe 96 Phil Corrin 94
Total 490 Total 477
Sandsiders Laxey
Jean Quaye 99 Harry Creevy 99
Steve Callus 94 Adrian Cowin 98
Ian Kneale 91 John Wood 97
Kath Barrett 85 Gemma Kermode 95
Julie Quaye 83 Stephen Curphy 91
Total 452 Total 490
Kirk Michael Douglas
Noah Mayne 95 Matthew Roosen 98
Richard Kijak 94 Dave Kneale 95
Suzanne McKnight 92 Dave Humphrey 95
Perryn Watson 89 Mark Osborn 95
William Gadman(J) 84 Sam Jones 93
Total 454 Total 476
Division 2
Port St Mary Castletown
Derek Kermode 93 Neil Masson 93
Luke Ennett 93 Richard Arthur 92
Sophie Weldon(J) 93 Robin McFee 92
Ean Brewis 92 Steve Gardner 92
Bree Cubbon(J) 92 Duncan Watterson 88
Total 463 Total 457
Sandsiders Laxey
Terry Green 80 Breeshey Cowin 88
Total 80 Total 88
Kirk Michael Douglas
Helen Fox 80 Sam Cartwright 86
Total 80 Total 86
Division 3
Port St Mary Castletown
Kevan Kneale 91 C. Williams-Jones 88
James Kennaugh(J) 91 J.P Bridson 87
Robert Faragher(J) 91
Joseph Proffitt 88
Hayden East(J) 88
Total 449 Total 175
As the Winter League heads into the half-term break, scores are looking increasingly healthy. Port St. Mary have set an early benchmark, while the leading contenders in last season’s individual championship race all posted strong scores this week.
With plenty of shooting still to come, the weeks ahead should make for an intriguing contest in both the team and individual championships.