GNRA Nationals Day 1...Braithwaite has splendid day to lead X-Class; Peter Persaud heads O-Class

GNRA Nationals Day 1…Braithwaite has splendid day to lead X-Class; Peter Persaud heads O-Class

Nov 03, 2014 Sports

By Franklin Wilson

Peter Persaud

Lennox Braithwaite is all smiles after completing the 500 Yards Range.

On an overcast and windy Sunday (yesterday), the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) National Championships for this year fired off in fine style with competition at the 300, 500 and 600 Yards Ranges.
When the final shot was fired and the scores tabulated on a day that saw the shooters having to contend with subtle changing but tricky winds, Lennox Braithwaite had an almost flawless day dropping just a single point to take the lead in the clash of the big boys, X-Class, where three of the other top shots are within striking distance.
The O-Class which also produced some keen tussles on the day is being led by Peter Persaud, narrowly ahead of Terrence Stuart.
Braithwaite dropped his only point at the 300 yards range where he recorded 49 points with 6 V-bulls. At 500 Yards, the Caribbean’s top Individual Marksman for the past three years recorded a flawless 50 points (possible) with 6 Vs to win the Valladares Trophy in the process.
Braithwaite was not done there as he closed the day in fine style from 600 yards where he shot 50 points and another 6 Vs to end the day with 149 points and 18Vs.
Dylan Fields who also recorded a possible at 500 Yards, defending champion Ransford Goodluck and National Captain Mahendra Persaud all recorded 145 points with 12, 11 and 8 Vs respectively; Braithwaite by no means is in safe waters since the chasing trio are capable of closing and overtaking the leader. An exciting second day, Saturday, is in the making.
The O-Class division saw Peter Persaud ending in pole position by virtue of recording a better score at the longest range after himself and Terrence Stuart ended with 141 points and 9Vs each. Stuart recorded the other possible yesterday at the 500 Yards range.
Persaud’s performance saw him being rewarded by being given the opportunity to shoot in the X-Class on Saturday. He {Persaud} can do so on the final day, Sunday but will have to remain in the number one position.
On Saturday, competition will be at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges again where competitors will be allowed two sighting shots and seven rounds to count. Sunday will see rivalry at the same ranges but with 2 sighting shots and 10 rounds to count.