On September 28, Rifle Clubs from St. Arnaud, Birchip and Robinvale/ Swan Hill competed for the Salvitis Challenge Trophy.

This iconic silver trophy has just been repaired and cleaned by silversmith David Russ at his workshop in St. Arnaud, and now looks as it must have when it was first presented 122 years ago.

Rifle clubs in north west Victoria have competed for this trophy since 1902, when it was presented by the veterinary supply company Salvitis Pty Ltd.

Saturday’s competition was held over 500 and 600 yards under very difficult conditions, with the wind and mirage making the coaches’ job extremely challenging.

Participating club members shot, with the top five shooters from each club making up the final team.

At the end of the 500-yard stage Robinvale/Swan Hill held a 5 point lead over Birchip.

However, the Birchip wind coaches had managed to get a better understanding of the tricky conditions and with some great shooting from the team, were able to overcome the deficit and turn it into a 6 point victory.

Top scorer for Birchip and overall on the day was Craig Leamon, with 118.9, just edging out Lisa Esmore, who was top scorer for St. Arnaud and second overall with 118.6. Top off the rifle for Robinvale/ Swan Hill was David Keating with 117.11.

This win for Birchip is the fourth consecutive Salvitis Trophy win for the club.

Footnote: Among the names on the Salvitis trophy are three members of the Harrison family – Ernie Harrison (1961), Ron Harrison (Ernie’s son) and (twice) Nic Harrison (Ron’s eldest son).  

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 4 October 2024.