May 1998

Cunnamulla Open & SW Zone Champs

Cunnamulla. Where is it? We were keen to find out as we had heard they put a great shoot on, so we hopped in our car at 5.45am (yes, there is a time like that), and with Warren's directions (once he was awake) we headed west.

We thought we were used to driving a fair distance for competitions, but this took the cake. Nine hours driving time. Nearly all straight roads, with only a few towns to slow down for - oh, that was coming back. It proved to us "new apprentice Aussies" that this is indeed a very large patch of dirt. I mean at home (NZ) we had lots of corners to slow down for, and our longest drive to a shoot was about seven hours including stops.

However, we got to Cunnamulla well before dark, which was the plan, so we didn't have to bump into those hoppy things you have here (kangaroos - Ed. We called at the range to see what was happening. Nothing much so we went to the motel.

After a good night's sleep, which included listening to the rain on our roof, we ventured forth to the range. We were not one of the lucky ones driving a 4WD, so we had an exciting ride on the range road. We told Rob to park by that 4WD, so we slid to a stop and that's where we stayed, never to move again - well, until the place dried out a bit.

We watched others come in, and we were not the only ones to enjoy the sliding ride and the slide to a halt. One of the few times I thought a 4WD would have been good to own.

Then it was time for breakfast. A "real" breakfast; cereal, bacon, eggs, meat petties, sausages, fried tomatoes, toast and coffee. Gives a person a good foundation on which to start the day's shooting (not). But good (yes!).

Centre fire, standard pistol and rapid fire all got under way at 8.30am. Most people were a little reluctant to score/patch early on, as the ground was somewhat puggy/muddy and slippery. Those venturing to the targets normally came back about a foot taller as this mud just keeps sticking and building.

By about midday things were drying out quite nicely and the events were running through fairly smoothly. Spectators' visability is exceptionally good at Cunnamulla, as the shooting bays have a roof with no sides, which is really great. (Until the westerlies start - Ed).

I don't think too many people were interested in a big lunch, as breakfast was still only half digested.

By the time dusk arrived a fair bit of shooting had been got through, with standard, centre/sport precision, half of rapid and 25m black, and all of 50m black completed.

The evening was spent socialising and a magnificent roast dinner was served. The country people sure know how to eat. After a lovely feed and a few stories it was time to head back to metropolitan down town Cunnamulla and the motel for a well-earned rest.

Sunday dawned much the same as Saturday except there was no rain. We again ventured forth to the range for our small (get real - large) breakfast. Yum!

The shooting continued with more air, centre/sport, rapid and service taking place. By the time this day was over many, myself included, were asking the usual questions: "Why am I doing this?", "If I only hadn't done that...", etc, etc.

Yet again most of us stayed for dinner, a barbeque this time with some extras (lasagne, etc.) Boy the food was good. After completing yet another meal we headed home, at various times, for a good rest to be fresh for Monday.

Monday started with the threat of rain, but of more interest was breakfast. The final event, free pistol, was finished by around 11am, when we sat down for a light lunch and the last of the prizegiving.

We drifted away after saying our goodbyes and thanks to everyone, for our much shortened drive home. Some drove home at the speed limit and I guess others didn't.

Being first time visitors to Cunnamulla we can honestly say we had a great time, and for those who turned up it was great to meet you all, especially our fellow Ranfurly Naseby Pistol Club members. For those of you who didn't come, you missed a great weekend shoot.

We will be back next year and hopefully see everyone again plus more that didn't make it this year.

- Rob & Ann Potter