THE Jersey Rifle Association hosted the prestigious Jersey Kolapore Ewar competition at Les Landes on Sunday 12th April, with competitors greeted by bright sunshine but challenged throughout by fresh, tricky winds that tested even the most experienced marksmen.
A strong field took to the range, with Ian Jones (left) emerging as the overall winner, posting an impressive combined score of 103.10v to secure the Jersey Kolapore Ewar Trophy.
His consistency across both distances— with a maximum 50.4v at 900 yards and 53.6v at 1000 yards—proved decisive in difficult conditions.
Close behind, Barry Le Cheminant finished second with 101.10v, narrowly edging Richard Benest in third on 101.9v, underlining just how tight the competition was at the top.
David Le Quesne also remained in contention, finishing fourth with 101.8v, while Reuben Thomas, who claimed the Junior Kolapore Trophy, delivered an excellent performance with 100.7v.
Further down the leaderboard, solid shooting from competitors such as Mick Cotillard, Colin Mallett, and Ed Chambers reflected the depth of talent on display, while Isabella Barnard impressed with a strong mid-field finish.
Notably, the challenging wind conditions particularly impacted the 1000-yard stage, where shifts in direction and strength demanded constant adjustment.
Beyond the competition itself, the event once again highlighted the remarkable heritage of the Kolapore Trophy. Originally presented to The Kolapore Rifle Club by J.H. French in September 1897, the trophy has a distinguished history spanning well over a century.
The original French Challenge Vase was won outright in 1936 by J. Renouf, before the trophy was re-presented to the Jersey Rifle Association in 1976 by John Renouf Senior.
Today, the trophy stands not only as a symbol of competitive excellence but also as a tangible link to over 125 years of shooting tradition—its age and legacy adding a special significance to every name engraved upon it.
The JRA would like to thank is sponsors Alex Picot Trust for its continued support especially towards the junior members of the club.
