‘Two Gun’ Neilson Pulls it off
Photo Right: WGCDR ‘ Two guns’ Peter Neilson, renowned for completing Interbase tournaments using at least two guns.
Clay target shooting in the RNZAF began with the training of pilots and air gunners during WWII. Over 20-24 November the Wellington Small Arms Club continued that long tradition by hosting the 2006 RNZAF Interbase, NZ Army Regional & NZ Police Annual Clay Target Shooting competitions at the Hutt Valley Gun Club. With Wellingtonians having endured one of the more forgettable winters on record, visitors were understandably sceptical that the weather would hold long enough for the tournament to proceed. Thankfully the weather improved enough to produce a three-day window in which shooters enjoyed a quick practice before competition commenced across a range of clay target shooting disciplines.
Needless to say the stalwarts of the sport were out in force and a number of friendly rivalries got an annual rekindling. When not indulging in friendly banter with their opposition, the more experienced shooters took time to guide and advise newcomers to the sport on some tricks and techniques to improve their accuracy.
As always the competition started well for some while results for others suggested they were simply warming into their work. Not so for one WGCDR Peter ‘Two Guns’ Neilson (WGTN) who, as a part-time shooter, calmly stepped up and smacked a possible (25/25) in the skeet round, albeit with a borrowed gun. Naturally a protest was lodged given that WGCDR Neilson’s own antique semi-automatic shotgun had steadfastly refused to eject and load fresh rounds due to heat stress, resulting in the need to borrow WGCDR Patch Nelson’s Miroku under & over.
The 2006 Wareham Trophy winning team from Ohakea. From left to right; CPL Craig Brain, CPL Hayden Powell, WGDCR Peter Neilson (shot for Wellington), F/S Snow Playle, F/S Bryan Kirker and CPL Leon Poyzer. OH-06-0645-21-tn.jpg
Another notable performance was that of F/S Snow Playle (OH) who took out the Skeet Doubles, Minis and Single Rise events which ultimately culminated in him picking up the 2006 Shell Trophy (Individual Highest Overall). Across the remaining disciplines the winners were:
- Double Rise: WGCDR Patch Nelson (WGTN) (hard to believe Two Guns didn’t burgle this title as well after winning it last year!).
- Single Barrel: Mr Danny McGowan (WB).
- Points Score: F/S Bryan Kirker (OH).
- Novice Award: LAC Dave Carney (AK).
- Personality Award: F/S Grant Pringle (WB)
In terms of team results, the winner of the Wareham Trophy (Interbase) for 2006 was RNZAF Base Ohakea with the team comprising of F/S Bryan Kirker, F/S Snow Playle, CPL Craig Brain, CPL Hayden Powell and CPL Leon Poyzer. Overall results were as follows:
- 1st Ohakea 519 Points
- 2nd Wellington 495 Points
- 3rd Auckland 445 Points
- 4th Woodbourne 428 Points
As with every interbase event a great deal of planning goes on behind the scenes and special mention must be made of the significant contributions of W/O Blue Freeman and WGCDR Patch Nelson, to whom the success of this event can be largely attributed.
And so RNZAF clay target shooting enthusiasts look forward to this year’s tournament in November. It’s fair to say that historically clay target shooting has encountered difficulty in attracting younger members to the sport, but if the fun experienced by all participants of the 2006 event is a gauge, then the 2007 tournament is in good shape. For those who would like to participate in this year’s interbase or would simply like to give it a go, contact your respective Base Team Captains (AK – F/S Stu Walker, OH – F/S Bryan Kirker, WGTN – W/O Blue Freeman & WB – Mr Harvie Morrow).