The Society of Serbian-Maltese Friendship last Tuesday organised an air-pistol and air-rifle shooting competition at the indoor shooting ranges in Bidnija to mark its recent founding in Malta.

Among the distinguished guests that were present for the occasion were the President of this Society Milan Noro of Nis, Serbia and his Maltese counterpart, Honorary Consul of Serbia and Montenegro in Malta, Gordon Pace Bonello. Incidentally Noro was the national airgun shooting coach for the Maltese Air-rifle and Air-pistol shooting teams for the Games of the Small States of Europe that took place in Malta in 2003.

Nine airgun shooters, who were divided into three teams, took part in this competition which was directed by international referee Angelo Galea and ably assisted by Ms Bernardette Chircop.

Lawrence Darmanin emerged as the winner with the highest individual score, closely followed by William Vella in second place while Mario Abela finished in third position.

The team event was won by the air-pistol shooters Ray Cacciattolo and Patrick Azzopardi as well as Mario Abela who together garnered the highest number of points.

Finally, Pace Bonello distributed the handsome trophies and medals, sponsored by the Society of Serbian-Maltese Friendship, to the winners of the various shooting events.