Giardina attains best score

The Malta Allied Airgunners Club (MAAC) recently kicked off its 2009 calendar with a classic Open Field Target competition at the Victoria Range, limits of Qormi.

Despite Force 5-6 winds, the final outcomes did not differ significantly from scores attained when shooting is held with more normal Force 3-4 winds. This clearly shows a huge improvement as adjusting to such winds proved to be no easy task, even for the more experienced shooters.

The introduction of state-of-the-art air-rifles, such as the Steyr LG 110, has also helped to improve performances as the end-result shows with the top three sporting such an advanced weapon.

In this event, the ever so-common shoot-off did not take place as Field Target ace David Giardina secured top spot once again with 22/30 targets. However, there were two surprise names finishing behind the winner.

After placing first in the recent Unlimited Class Bench Rest competition, Mario Spiteri kept up the rhythm to claim the runner-up spot behind Giardina with 20/30. Wayne Galea was close behind with 19/30.

This was Galea's first podium finish after a sensational comeback in the third round when he registered a 10/10 strike after a very modest first two rounds.

The next MAAC event, a Bench Rest competition, will take place on February 1. There will be the usual two classes to be contested - the International category for air-rifles below 15ft/lbs and the Unlimited for the high-powered over 15ft/lbs.

Top five shooters

1. David Giardina 22/30

2. Mario Spiteri 20/30

3. Wayne Galea 19/30

4. James Bugeja 17/30

5. Carlos Scorfna 16/30