The 2014 Queensland Combined Services State Championships were hosted by SSAA Eidsvold Branch from June 6 to 8. Although foggy days had been experienced prior to the weekend, no more was seen and the weather for the shoot weekend can only be regarded as ideal for shooting, with good, even light and warm days.

There were 55 shooters registered for the Pistol events on Friday. All events were hotly contested, with some good scores shot and close results. The day’s events were finished in good time, which allowed for the presentations to the worthy winners and placegetters. Top Gun for Pistol was Tony Bennett on 507.16, while the Top Junior was James Wheddon on 349.1. The Discipline Subcommittee Meeting followed.

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear and saw the start of a packed programme for 56 competitors using standard and accurised rifles. The Rifle programme was completed in good time, thanks mainly to the cooperation of the competitors and a firing line that could accommodate 28 targets.

Sunday was also the finale of the weekend with .310 and .22 Trainer and Long Range Rifle events. Conditions again were very conducive to good shooting, with even light and minimal wind. Good scores were again recorded for the day and the shooting wound up at a reasonable time, allowing for the presentations and an early getaway for those who decided not to stay the night. Top Gun for Rifle was Greg de Koning on 293.29 and Top Junior was James Wheddon on 146.1.

As an interesting point, anyone who shot all events they were eligible for went to the firing line 35 times during the course of the weekend, which in itself is no mean feat! Overall, the weekend was deemed one of the best shoots for some years. This was due in no small way to the willing band of organisers, helpers, scorers and of course, the competitors, which included some 20 first-time visitors to the SSAA Eidsvold Range.