SOMEONE somewhere must be looking after Braidwood shooters as Sunday was yet another good, if slightly chilly, day for the 80 Sporting event.
Jack Carlyle (Dalton) was the man bang on form. Despite shooting 37 ex-40 over the first layout of the day to win the Teviotdale Shield outright, he was self critical in that he missed two of the easier clays presented and so should have come in on 39.
Gordon Boertien (Lockerbie) and shared runner-up slot on 35 with Nigel Rock (Kelso).
Third-placed Roy McCowan (Gretna), with 34, was also kicking himself after missing two driven targets he would normally flatten on any other day.
As daylight deteriorated and the temperature dropped, Carlyle and Boertien went on to tie the lead on the second layout of the day, both breaking 35. This time Jim Watt (Whitekirk) was only one off their lead, with Rock and Donald Livingston (Edinburgh) just a single clay behind him.
Two firsts under his belt ensured Carlyle the aggregate high gun title with the highest overall score of the day, 72 ex-80.
Having dominated the previous November event, Boertien was the only other competitor to break the 70 barrier – Rock having the third highest score of 68.
The next shoot is on Sunday, December 2, when Livingston has the opportunity to defend the Braidwood Salver. Entries close at noon. All welcome.
Two weeks later, the club holds its annual Christmas event for which pre-booking is required as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as few places are left.
A fortnight later, the last competition of 2012 takes place on Sunday, December 30. Once again, entries close at noon and all are welcome.