Sixth Roberts Trophy Match Wrap-up

by Hap Rocketto

The British won the Sixth Roberts Trophy Match, 3842 to 3806.

Any team can survive an error but the United States had three problems which may have cost them the match. The first was a problem with a rifle at 50 yards, second was a sight that appeared to be malfunctioning but it was not apparent until 100 yards, and the third was a shooter losing count of his record shots and firing two excessive shots at 100 yards. The three errors added up to an estimated 30 points.  However, even if we had gotten those points it is likely that we would have still lost, but by a much slimmer margin of six points.

The British shot exceedingly well and were very consistent in score distribution; nine were between 391 and 380 with an anomaly at 374.  The United States had a high of 389 with an additional five scores in the 380 region.  The other four were middle to low 370s.

The home team got off to a very quick start at 50 by outpointing us 52 to 65, a difference of 13 points.  Even with the rifle problems it was apparent that to the team leadership that were being outshot with the most difficult stage still facing us.  At long range the British dropped 106 points to our 129 and that sealed the deal.

On the bright side the Tarl Kempley was second in the grand aggregate, Glen Dubis, Michelle Bohren, Edie Reynolds, Kevin Nevius, Mark DelCotto, Dave Cramer, and Nancy Tompkins all placed in matches.

Our hosts treated us in grand style and went out of their way to see to our comfort.  We were provided an orientation session, a huge tent, trolleys to lug our gear, clips, parking passes, a historic tour of Bisley, guides to help us to and from the airport, several fine banquets, souvenirs, as well as a gracious sportsmanship which we hope to equal when the arrive on our shores in four years  for the Pershing match.