JERSEY’S star fullbore rifle shooters are flying the flag down under, combining with their Sarnian counterparts to represent the Channel Islands in the illustrious Australia Match.
When it comes to fullbore shooting, this is as big as it gets, with many remarking that it is the biggest shooting event in the world in 2026.
Beginning in 1907, it has rapidly evolved to become one of the most prestigious international fullbore target rifle competitions and only takes place every four years.
That, paired with the competition’s elite entry list, means that this year’s event is stacking up to be a fiercely contested affair.
Competition has already come thick and fast for the Islanders, as an action-packed schedule has seen them take to the ranges for over a week of competitive shooting.
In the midst of it all, the Channel Islands are already carving their place among the world’s best, as Guernsey’s Stephen Penrose and Al Stewart have both gone on to win medals in their classes.
Describing what the experience has been like so far, team captain David Le Quesne said: “The atmosphere out here is fantastic and there’s a real buzz around the ranges, with 200 of the world’s very best shooters coming together to compete.
“The standard of shooting is incredibly high and there’s a great sense of camaraderie between the different nations, although once everyone gets onto the firing point, the competition is fierce.
“It has been an incredible experience so far, not just from a competitive perspective but also for the opportunity to shoot alongside and learn from the very best.”
Le Quesne could not be prouder of his team, adding: “I’m extremely proud of the team we’ve brought out here. Everyone has put in a tremendous amount of effort and commitment to be here and it’s important to remember that we’re all amateurs who have made considerable sacrifices to represent our islands.
“The attitude and team spirit have been excellent, Everyone is supporting one another, sharing information about the conditions and doing everything possible to get the best out of each other.
“As captain, you couldn’t really ask for much more than that. Whatever the final results, I’m proud of the way the team has conducted itself and represented the Channel Islands.”
When someone mentions Australia, you always think of warm temperatures and radiant sun. However, the shooters are currently getting the opposite, having to battle with constant drizzles and the cold in their search for precision.
That has certainly added another layer to competition so far, as it is a lot more than simply turning up and shooting. When up against the world’s elites, it goes down to the smallest of margins, so every element of competition plays its part.
Although they have been busy to rack up the scores, it is all coming down to tomorrow’s main event, the Australia Match, and the Channel Islands team remain driven to make their mark on the international stage.
“Our focus is very much on competing well in the Australia Match on Sunday and making sure we give the best possible account of ourselves. At this level, the margins can be incredibly small, so it’s about staying focused, taking each shoot as it comes and making the most of every opportunity,” Le Quesne continued.
“We want to be competitive, push ourselves against the best and hopefully come away with some results that everyone back home can be proud of.
“Most importantly, we want to leave knowing that we’ve given absolutely everything for the Channel Islands.”
Channel Islands Team: David Le Quesne (C, JSY), Nicholas Mace (GSY), Colin Mallett (JSY), Matthew Stewart (GSY), Peter Jory (GSY), Mike Creber (GSY), Mick Cotillard (JSY), Chris Cotillard (JSY), Adam Norman (GSY), Braden Morris (GSY), Ollie Pryke (JSY), Al Stewart (GSY), Alexander Stewart (GSY), Freddie Stewart (GSY), Stephen Penrose (GSY), Andrew Le Cheminant (JSY)
