The first Field Target Springer competition of the year was held last Sunday at the Victoria Shooting Range. Winds were a moderate southeast Force 3 to 4 which made it easier for competitors when compared to the usual northwesterly winds so common at the Ħandaq range.

Top shooter of the day was Kris Debattista with 18 knockdowns from a possible 30.

After a very modest two rounds, where he hit nine from a possible 20, Debattista stepped up a couple of gears and in the last round almost hit a straight with nine out of 10 to tally up 18-30.

This was Debattista's first success in the competition and his first major honour of 2009 after failing to secure a podium position in other MAAC events this year.

Once again, a shoot-off was required to determine the runner-up spot between David Giardina and Wayne Galea as both had finished with 14/30. This was a repeat of the latest Hunter Field Target competition, when the same two shooters had to resolve first and second places in a duel.

In the end, Galea, once again, was beaten by shoot-off specialist Giardina.

The next MAAC competition is the Air Pistol Steel Plate Challenge on March 15 at the Victoria Shooting Range.

Top five springer class

1. K. Debattista 18/30; 2. D. Giardina 14/30; 3. W. Galea 14/30; 4. R. Gauci 11/30; 4. G. Gouder 11/30; 5. M. Spiteri 10/30.