Sean Banfield and Kevin Grant topped the honours list when the Barbados Rifle Association (BRA) held its annual presentation ceremony at the Paragon Base on Saturday evening.
Banfield was the most consistent International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) competitor in 2011, narrowly winning from Rodney Clarke. Both Banfield and Clarke scored 97 points but Banfield was awarded first place on the tie breaker based on more frequent attendance at the monthly shoots.
Grant, who placed third in the IPSC category, was the top pistol shooter, comfortably winning with 146 points ahead of second placed Ryan Best on 133 points. Kirk Marshall also scored 133 points but was placed third on the tie breaker.
The presentation followed an IPSC event in which there was competition in four divisions. Geoffrey Browne emerged as champion in the “A” class, followed by Clarke and Adrian Marshall. Grant was the most impressive in the “B” class while second place went to Cyprian John and third to John Gooding.
The “C” class division went to Richard Durant with Verity Beckles in second place and Ryan Best third. Marshall was “D” class champion, winning that division ahead of female competitor Marissa Bradshaw and Christopher Walker.
Bradshaw was also the winner in the female class.
Also receiving awards at the presentation ceremony were the participants who successfully completed the Basic Pistol Certificate course. Thirteen of the 16 members of the class met the basic requirements.
Rickey McConney, pistol director of the BRA noted the emphasis on safety and said that the unsuccessful participants were free to take part in the next course run by the association.
“Safety is paramount at the BRA and new members will only be allowed to handle firearms if it is determined they fully understand all safety aspects of safe firearm handling and range procedures,” McConney told MIDWEEK SPORT.
McConney was also full of praise or the business houses that continue to support the BRA.
“I would like to thank the sponsors Tropi-Chem Limited, the Sparman Clinic and Smoking Barrel who have consistently supported the Barbados Rifle Association through sponsorship of our major matches. The members and board of the BRA aim to make the relationship equally rewarding,” said McConney.
