John Webster, NRA Chairman
www.GBMRT2016.org.uk
It gives me great pleasure to wish the Great Britain Match Rifle Team all possible success on their tour
to Australia and in the Woomera Match, its highlight, for at least three reasons.
Match Rifle is one of the NRA of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most venerable disciplines. The
annual Elcho Match between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales was first shot in 1862, only three years after
the establishment of the NRA, and is believed to be the second oldest regularly held international competition
of any sport after sailing’s America’s Cup.
Australia is a special place to tour. I have been lucky enough to do so three times (with a target rifle
rather than a match rifle), but each time was truly memorable in so many ways - spectacular ranges, strong
competition, wonderful hospitality and great camaraderie.
Martin Townsend, the team’s Captain, has been a great