Rifle team wins league championship

The Whitehall Rifle Club defeated Galway 976-968, last Thursday in Hudson Falls to wrap up the Tri-County Rifle League Championship.

Both teams had beaten each other on their respective home ranges to each finish 13-1, setting up the second shoot-off between the two in recent years. In 2008 it was Galway pulling out the win but not this time; this time the Whitehallers were up to the challenge.

 Fittingly it was club president John Hollister who led all shooters with a score of 197 but the second place shooter was a bit of a surprise. Joe DeLorme at age 15 and in only his sixth match, found himself toe to toe with the best of the best in a match with everything on the table. No problem, Joe shot nothing less than a 49 off hand and a total score of 196. It was outstanding shooting under a lot of pressure.

The third spot on the team went to Jason Pratt with 196 while Pete Steffan shot 194 and Louie Pratt 193.

 Both teams shot lower than expected but the scoring was tough. The league officials, understanding the importance of this match, carefully examined each and every shot. But they were equally tough for both teams. Joe DeLorme was only a fraction of a hair from a 197.

The 2008 loss to Galway in the shoot off was the only time Whitehall has failed to win the League Title since 1979.

Whitehall – 976

John Hollister: 50, 50, 50, 47-197; Joe DeLorme: 49, 50, 48, 49-196; Jason Pratt: 50, 48, 50, 48-196; Pete Steffan: 49, 50, 50, 45-194; Lou Pratt: 50, 50, 49, 44-193

Galway – 968

E. Hahn: 48, 49, 50, 49-196; T. Gilday: 50, 50, 48, 46-194; C. Jewett: 50, 50, 48, 45-193; R. Michon: 48, 48, 50, 46-192; C. Tillson: 50, 49, 48, 46-193