In brief: Jersey and Guernsey shooters have joined forces as a Channel Islands team to compete in the Australia Match, described as the biggest fullbore shooting event in the world in 2026. The competition, held every four years, began in 1907 and draws around 200 of the world’s top fullbore rifle shooters. Two Guernsey members of the squad have already won medals ahead of Sunday’s main event.
The biggest stage in fullbore shooting
When Jersey’s finest rifle shooters pack their kit and board a long-haul flight, you know something significant is afoot. The Australia Match, first held in 1907 and staged only once every four years, is widely regarded as the most prestigious international fullbore target rifle competition on the planet, and the Jersey Evening Post reports that many are calling this year’s edition the biggest shooting event in the world in 2026.
The entry list lives up to that billing. Around 200 of the world’s very best fullbore shooters have gathered on the ranges, representing nations from across the globe, and the Channel Islands are among them, fielding a combined team drawn from both Jersey and Guernsey.
The squad is captained by Jersey’s David Le Quesne and includes sixteen competitors in total: from Jersey, Colin Mallett, Mick Cotillard, Chris Cotillard, Ollie Pryke and Andrew Le Cheminant join Le Quesne, while the Guernsey contingent comprises Nicholas Mace, Matthew Stewart, Peter Jory, Mike Creber, Adam Norman, Braden Morris, Al Stewart, Alexander Stewart, Freddie Stewart and Stephen Penrose.
Medals already, and more to play for
The team has already been in action for over a week of competitive shooting ahead of Sunday’s main Australia Match, and the Channel Islands have made their presence felt. The Jersey Evening Post reports that Guernsey’s Stephen Penrose and Al Stewart have both won medals in their respective classes, a fine early return for a squad of self-described amateurs.
Captain Le Quesne has been effusive about the experience. “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,” he told the paper. “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.”
He was equally warm about his team’s attitude: “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.”
Battling the conditions
Anyone picturing the squad basking in Australian sunshine between shoots will need to revise their mental image. The Jersey Evening Post notes that the competitors have been contending with constant drizzle and cold temperatures, a far cry from the warm weather the country is famous for. At this level, where margins between the world’s elite are razor-thin, weather conditions are far from a trivial inconvenience.
Le Quesne acknowledged the challenge ahead of Sunday’s main event: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Source: Jersey Evening Post
