SHARP shooting local army cadets won honours at the world famous National Shooting Centre at Bisley recently.
Cadet Sergeant Jenny Patterson and Cadet Corporal Alex Strain (Down High Detachment) and Cadet Lance Sergeant Jonathan James from the Ballygowan Detachment were among the top shooters.
Their keen eyes and steady hand delivered an impressive haul of
silverware to bring home to display in the trophy cabinet at theCadet Training Centre in Ballykinler.
More than 500 cadets took part in the annual competition and the local teenagers, trained by Captain Trevor Steele, faced competition from as far afield as Australia and Canada. But the locals maintained their unit’s proud record of achievement, bringing home both team and individual plaudits.
Congratulating them on their achievements, Captain Steele said he was “enormously proud” of the cadets, explaining they come from a distinguished line.
He continued: “This is the sixth time our shooting team has come home from this prestigious annual competition as winners of both the Champion Unit and the Top ACF Team awards.
“It is the fourth time we have captured the DSG/ABRO Long Range Trophy and the Cadet 100 prize. That’s quite a record to follow, but it seems our cadets just get better year on year.”
Captain Steele explained that shooting at this competition level requires a high level of skill and a real commitment to training and practice.
He added: “Our teenage cadets have shown that they have what it takes to achieve real sporting excellence. I know they are all looking forward to sharing what they have learnt with others.”