2025 East Vs West

SARA East v West Teams Return – A Weekend of Competition, Camaraderie, and Challenge

Photos

 East Vs West Day 1

 East Vs West Day 2

The much-anticipated return of the SARA East v West teams took place over the weekend of November 1^st & 2^nd  2025, delivering a memorable event filled with competitive spirit, teamwork, and a few surprises from Mother Nature.

The day began with a well-attended Range Officer Course held in the Big Green Hut ran by Brad Semmler. The strong turnout was a promising sign for South Australian clubs, with hopes that more qualified ROs will help ease the load across the region.

As the morning progressed, shooters from across the state arrived, reconnecting with familiar faces and exchanging friendly banter—a clear reminder of the rivalry and camaraderie that define this event. Behind closed doors, team meetings buzzed with tactical discussions, while others wandered in search of food due to a catering hiccup that left a few stomachs rumbling.

By midday, the range was set, and Brad, acting as Range Officer, officially welcomed everyone and got the competition underway.

Day 1: 500m & 600m – Testing Conditions

The first range at 500m saw mixed results as shooters and coaches worked to read the wind, which remained steady but was complicated by the classic Lower Light mirage. Sightings were tricky, and the challenge only intensified at 600m. Winds picked up from the west, and while mirage, flags, and actual wind direction rarely aligned, coaches were left scratching their heads—and some scores reflected the struggle.

After a well-earned break in the Big Hut, scores were tallied. Team West emerged ahead, dropping an average of 5 points per shooter compared to East’s 7. With the long ranges still to come, the competition was far from over.

Day 2: 700m – Weather Drama and Tactical Shooting

Sunday began with enthusiasm and mild conditions at 700m. Shooting commenced around 8:30 AM, taking advantage of cloud cover that offered excellent sighting conditions. However, thunder and lightning soon interrupted the round, followed by a brief shower.

In a strategic move, the decision was made to complete both rounds at 700m before the main weather front arrived. The “calm before the storm” saw flags hanging limp—a coach’s dream—for a brief window before the wind returned, forcing constant adjustments and dialling changes with every shot.

With the final rounds complete, the range was packed down and competitors gathered for lunch and the final results.

Final Result: Team West Victorious!

After a tense wait, the announcement was made—Team West had held onto their lead and claimed the overall win! Congratulations to all involved for a well-fought competition and a weekend that truly showcased the spirit of team sport.

Despite a few challenges, the event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication and teamwork of all participants. It was especially encouraging to see a high number of nominations and new members getting involved.

📊 Final scores and range breakdowns are below

We look forward to an even bigger and better East v West showdown next year!

Cameron Whant

SARA Chairman

WEST TEAM

EAST TEAM