HOPES are high as Jersey shooters travel compete at Bisley over the next two weeks, in the 138th Imperial Meeting.

The Caesarean contingent are hoping they can improve on their several overall second places and take the title in the main team match, the Kolapore, as they did in 1984 and 1995, though since they are shooting against the top shots from round the globe, among them teams from the USA, South Africa and Australia, they know they must produce consistently high scores to stand a chance of doing so.

Former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Colin Mallett who captains the squad said: ‘We have a feeling that something special could happen this year – it could just be Jersey’s year, in both individual and team competition.’ Competition starts this evening with the British Commonwealth match, which is shot as a warm-up to the competition, and is followed by the RAF International tomorrow.

On Thursday the Opening Shot competition takes place, followed by the Astor County championship on Friday in which Jersey placed second last year.

Selectors will have their work cut out to choose the eight shooters to represent Jersey in the major team matches, of the 19 who travel.

Commonwealth Games shooter Richard Benest has had an excellent year so far, with his CI championship-winning score putting him among the favourites for the Grand Aggregate, and Island champion Bruce Horwood aiming for at least a top 40 place.

Others to watch out for are Mary Norman, who finished 20th last year; Mallett father and son Cliff and Colin; the Langleys, father Wally and son Alex; David Le Quesne who also competed in the Commonwealths, Graeme Harris, Chris Cotillard, Peter Stock and Daniel Richardson.

Jersey squad: Colin Mallett (Capt); Syd Payn (Adj); Phil Amy; Mike Bateman (Victoria College); Richard Benest; Chris Cotillard; Mike Cotillard; Alan D’Authreau (VC); Graeme Harris; Bruce Horwood; Robert Jelley (VC); Ian Jones; Alex Langley; Wally Langley; David Le Quesne; Alan Le Sueur; Cliff Mallett; James Marshall; John Norman; Mary Norman; Daniel Richardson; Peter Stock.