Port St Mary hit high score in southern derby in rifle league

Port St Mary set a new season-high score in the third round of the Isle of Man Rifle Association’s Winter League last week, 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.

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 490 477

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 Curphey 91

452 490

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

454 476

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

463 457

Sandsiders Laxey

Terry Green 80 Breeshey Cowin 88

80 88

Kirk Michael Douglas

Helen Fox 80 Sam Cartwright 86

80 86

DIVISION THREE

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

449 175

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 last week.

With plenty of shooting still to come, the weeks ahead should make for an intriguing contest in both the team and individual championships.

JP BRIDSON