PO Cadet Adam Anderson at the ANZAC Rifle Range during the RANR Rifle Club shoot. Photo by LSPH Damian Pawlenko.

Australian Naval Cadet, PO Cadet Adam Anderson from T.S.Sirius has a sharp eye and steady finger when it comes to rifle shooting.

When he and a dozen shipmates were invited by the RAN Reserve Rifle Club to do the first phase of a four-day marksman's shooting course at the ANZAC Rifle Range late last month, Adam was outstanding in his shoot.

"I think they wanted to sign him up as a member there and then," the executive officer of the St George-based cadet training ship, SBLT Tim Taylor said later.

The veteran rifle club was responsible for training many RAN personnel during WW2.

This job lapsed when other Defence instructors took over the role.

Recently, however the club invited the cadets from Sirius to attend the range for instruction in safety and shooting.

Thirteen of the ship's company, aged from 13 to 17 and the majority girls, attended the four-hour session.

"It was more than we had expected," SBLT Taylor said.

"The club members provided the first day of a four-day marksman's course.

"We hope to return next year and do the remaining three days.

"The training was on a one-on-one basis.

"The club members provided their own .22 calibre rifles and first gave the cadets instruction on safety.

"Then they were invited to fire five 'sighting' rounds at a target 50 metres away. Afterwards they each fired another 20 rounds.

"Adam Anderson was outstanding in his shooting," SBLT Taylor said.

He said that returning to their ship that afternoon the cadets were "buzzing" with what they had learned and taken part in.

The shoot for T.S. Sirius was not its first.

"The unit had competed against Sydney, Condamine and Hawkesbury at the Hornsby Range before.

"However this was an outstanding introduction to the sport.

"The club members were very professional. They did a great job," SBLT Taylor said.

T.S. Sirius was formed 56 years ago and draws on young people from the St George, Sutherland Shire and Canterbury-Bankstown area.

It is commanded by university lecturer SBLT Tony Scott and SBLT Taylor, a Qantas technician.

The unit is one of 82 in Australia.

By Graham Davis