2019 Atlantics & Mini-Palma

The 2019 Atlantic Championships were held on August 31 and September 1 in New Brunswick on Batouche Range. On September 2 the Mini-Palma Canada vs. USA match was held.
 
These two matches had a record-breaking turnout of 33 competitors from NB, PEI, PQ, NS and the New England states. On Day 1 the competitors shot the Lady Slipper and the Bluenose matches (which represent PEI and NS,

respectively) at 300m, 500m and 600m. With scattered clouds and low wind, shooters were able to get a good feel for the range conditions. Day 2 included the Herring Choker Match (representing NB) at 300m, 500m and 600m and the Down East which is two matches at 900m. Clear skies and a hot sun made the mirage the talk of the day, visible even with the naked eye. The Grand Aggregate winners were Ian Hogg (PE) in TR and Adam MacDonald (NB) in F/TR. In TR, Daniel Chisholm (NB) place second with 1V more than third place winner Braden Colman-Sadd (NS). In F/TR Gord Holloway (NB) placed second, two points ahead of Jian Wu (PE) who came third. Awards were presented at dinner in the evening held at RustiCo. in Fredericton.

 On Monday, competitors donned their rain gear and shot the Canada vs. New England USA Mini-Palma match at 900m. Pete De Santis captained the USA team and John Marshall of Nova Scotia captained the Canadian team.

Three matches were shot with no breaks, as shooters tried to beat the rain (which they barely did). Team Canada made a strong showing and won overall by 111 points.

Top individual shooters in the team matches were Stephen Landry (USA) in TR (3Vs ahead of Mark McMullin) and Stephen McCalmont (USA) in F/TR, two points ahead of Gord Holloway.
 
Held at the same time as the Mini-Palma team match was a special match for any individual that wanted to shoot. Kris Feng, Ken Geddes & Ken Kyle shot three relays at 900m. Kris Feng (PE) had the highest overall score and took home a unique vintage RNBRA medal.
 
Thank you to the Pete De Santis and the USA Team for travelling to NB for this special match. It was great fun to see old friends and new faces. There were several USA shooters who had never shot at 900m before this weekend and we enjoyed sharing that experience with them.
 
Thanks to Dollard for being RSO and to Mark McMullin for providing an excellent barbecue lunch all three days (in between shooting relays and winning the Down East match in TR). Also thanks to Conrad Leroux for arranging all the medals for this event.