One of the State’s best rifle shooters Colin Cole started the 2016 season in sparking form at Crows Nest on Sunday, Feb 14.

Colin, a member of North Arm Rifle Club on the Sunshine Coast, beat a top class field with the only possible score of 30 bullseyes – 18 of which were centre bulls — in the three range match on the northern Downs.

More than 90 competitors from northern NSW to central Queensland took part, with about half the field comprising scope rifle shooters.

Four shooters were in a tussle for the minor A Grade placings only one shot behind the winner, with some impressive scores in the breezy conditions.

Crows Nest local Ashley Bidgood produced the top range score of the day, a possible 50 with eight centres, on the last, to pip John Hislop on countback, with both on an aggregate 149.16.

Another North Arm shooter, Peter Birch, won B Grade, and Craig Schramm, Darling Downs took C Grade.

Gatton member David Reddan missed a single bullseye in winning the F Open scope class while Mike Herionymus from Goondiwindi took the F Standard scoped rifle trophy.

Nicole Slee from Cannon Hill Rifle Club took out the F class Target Rifle match which follows international rules and is growing in popularity.