This very day was the start of a new shooting competition, and it sure started of with a 'BANG!' It was the Home Team NS Monthly Shoot. What is it? Well, this monthly shoot is sort of a competition which all schools in Singapore are eligible to participate in. Not being left out, the Victoria School Air Rifle Club sent almost all its members to compete in it! Being one of those who had registered online for the Monthly Shoot, I started training hard on the previous Thursday and Friday. After all the hard work put into training, it was time for me to give myself a gruelling test of my skills and accuracy.
After an hour's car ride, William (my team-mate) and I finally reached the destination at 3.50pm which was the colossal Home Team NS Clubhouse. Sporting various facilities such as a Golf, Archery and Shooting range, we were thoroughly amazed at its unique design and well furnished interior.
As our detailing (event time) was around 4.30pm, we had decided to make our way to the range. Following the helpful signs, William and I reached the range which was on the second floor without much hassle. As we entered the air conditioned range, other Victoria School Shooters (whose detailing was 2 hours earlier) were gathered together after a tiring 60 pellet shoot. Following the registration and wearing of suits, William and I proceeded to collect our 5killograme rifles from the armoury and went to our lanes, 24 and 28, respectively.
First up was the preparation time which was roughly ten minutes. Only dry firing was allowed as it was against the rules to discharge gas from the rifle. At that time, adrenaline was rushing in my blood and I could almost hear my heart thumping furiously. I uttered a short prayer and hoped that all would go well. Next, the Jury announced the start of the competition. We would be given 1hour 45minutes to shoot 60shots on 60targets, which meant one shot on each target. As we were given 4 'practice' targets, sighting (adjustment of rifle sighting) was also allowed.
Trying desperately to calm myself down, I took my time shooting and preparing as I knew that the time given would certainly be enough for the 60shots. As I shot my first few competition shots, they were rather inconsistent and scored only 5 or 6 points. After making some changes to my position, I managed an average of 8 or 9 points and quite a few bull's eye. At that moment, I seemed to hear my coach's voice echo in my brain and I guess it might have been caused by self pressure to perform well.
After what seemed like eternity, I finally completed the 60shots in an hour! Briefly congratulating myself on completing my first competition, I strolled back to the VS 'meeting point'. There, I was bombarded with questions on my average score by my seniors. By then, my entire left leg was so sore that it took so much strength for me just to move my foot! - It must have been caused by the strain on my leg during the shoot.
6:30pm arrived and before I knew it, my parents had arrived at the range, ready to fetch me home. Bidding farewell to my fellow team-mates, I then left the Clubhouse with my parents, for another long ride back home in Tampines.
Being consistent is the key to success. It applies to every aspect of our lives, whether in our CCA (Co - Curricular Activities) such as Shooting, Track and Field or in Academics. We must always strive to be consistent and although no one is perfect, I am sure that making a constant effort will prove to be vital and helpful. As the saying goes 'When there's a Will, there's a Way!' I am sure that we will succeed in whatever we do as long as we work hard and play hard!
Let's enjoy some pictures shall we?
( The Home Team NS symbol ) - with William in the picture 
( A brief shot of the range )
( The Victorians - most of them had their detailing at 2:30pm )
( Jackets and other equipment brought to Home Team NS Clubhouse)
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