The second in a series of three airgun shooting competitions was held last weekend at the Bidnija ranges.

Participants in these shoots are bidding for selection to the Maltese team for the European Commonwealth Shooting Championships, to be held on the Isle of Man in September.

The shooters are reaping the benefits of their hard training as most of them recorded improved scores last weekend.

William Vella dominated the air-rifle event. He won the competition with a remarkable score of 575 and a 98 in the final.

Lawrence Darmanin was second with an improved score of 560 and a 96 in the final, while third-placed Charlò Chircop also bettered last week's performance. He obtained 546 (93 points in the final).

Another personal best score was compiled by Michael Xuereb who shot 506 to claim fourth place overall.

Ray Cacciattolo, winner of a bronze medal at the last European Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Gibraltar, was in a class of his own in the air-pistol event, scoring 540 points and a 96 in the final. Cacciattolo finished way ahead of Vince Borg (496 points) and Martin Grech (486 points).

The open air-rifle event was won by Joe Smith who totalled 511 points, just five ahead of his son William.

Gino Galea was the referee of last weekend's competitions.

The last selection shoot will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m.