2022 Results

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Saturday 19 November - DTL Competition

DTL Success for Saunders                                                                           Posted 22 November 2022

Darren Saunders made the most of his trip to the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Down the Line competition on Saturday the 19th of November. The Yarrawonga club member shot possibles to win two of his events and was second in the other event. Darren’s consistently high scores throughout the competition also saw him unchallenged for the High Gun award.

Persistent gusts of wind and intermittent sprinkles of rain throughout the day made for challenging conditions, but that didn’t deter the 25 hardy souls who signed up for the three events on the card. Nor did it deter the usual crew of volunteers who show up month after month to keep the club functioning at such a high standard. The Wangaratta Clay Target Club prides itself on providing a relaxed and friendly venue for shooters to come and enjoy their sport and this was reflected in the positive feedback from a number of visitors at Saturday’s competition. Thanks to Graham Coyle, Brian Reid & Phil Smith for preparing the grounds, Anita Klima, Alison Harwood & Ian Auranaune for running the office, and Bruce Henshall for looking after the canteen.

Event 1, 30 Target Medley: AA Grade 1st Peter Akkermans 47/50, 2nd Darren Saunders 61/66, after a shoot-off with Garb Palmer. A Grade 1st Darren Clark 47/50, 2nd Trevor Hicks 51/56, after a shoot-off with John Fothergill. B Grade 1st Phil Wojtowyez 45/50, 2nd David Luelf 43/50, after a shoot-off with Robert Dean & Steve Murphy. C Grade 1st Brian Reid 43/50, 2nd Glen Carroll 42/50.

Event 2, 30 Target Double Barrel Cash Divide: AA Grade equal 1st Darren Saunders & Garb Palmer 30/30. A Grade 1st Trevor Hicks 30/30, 2nd Shaun Kirley 29/30. B Grade 1st Phil Wojtowyez 30/30, 2nd David Luelf 29/30. C Grade 1st Brian Reid 27/30, equal 2nd Glen Carroll & Lesley Wojtowyez 25/30.

Event 3, 30 Target Points Score: AA Grade 1st Darren Saunders 90/90, 2nd Garb Palmer 84/90. A Grade 1st John Fothergill 82/90, 2nd Al Kidd 78/90. B Grade 1st Scott Glossop 86/90, 2nd Phil Wojtowyez 85/90. C Grade 1st Tony Caufield 82/90, 2nd Glen Carroll 80/90.

The Overall High Gun award went to Darren Saunders on 166/170. The Veterans High Gun went to Phil Wojtowyez on 160/170 and Tanya Fothergill’s 133/170 gave her the Ladies High Gun.    

The November DTL competition traditionally sees the Wang Clay Target Club crown its Champion of Champions. High Gun winners from all the year’s events vie for the title and this year saw Darren Saunders cap off an excellent day by taking out the award for 2022.

The club’s next event will be the Christmas Shoot on Saturday the 10th of December. As well as DTL and Sporting Clays, the Christmas shoot will also incorporate events utilising the club’s new Universal Trench and Universal Skeet facilities. Competitors from all the shooting associations are welcome. 

Sunday 13 November - Sporting Clays Competition

No Sweat for Brett at Sporting Clays Shoot                                         Posted 14 November 2022

Brett Jory was on song at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 13th of November. He finished the day three targets clear of his nearest rival to take overall victory in patchy conditions. The sun was definitely on holidays and the skies alternated between occasional clear patches and threatening clouds. Thankfully, the rain held off and the competitors stayed dry. The turnout was disappointingly small, but perhaps that’s not surprising considering the turmoil caused in our region by the rain over recent weeks. Dorothea Mackellar certainly got that one right.

 

AA Grade went to that man Brett Jory with 96/100. Scott Henshall, father of last month’s A Grade winner Jake, was 2nd on 93/100.

 

Wodonga/Albury club member Royce Wojtowyez took out A Grade on 86/100, with Benalla F&G shooter Neil Campbell 2nd on 82/100.

 

B Grade saw more Benalla F&G shooters in the top positions, with Charlie Bonnitcha coming out in front with 84/100 and Paul Reynolds 2nd on 66/100.

 

C Grade was a family affair with the winner Mitch Benton’s 61/100 giving him bragging rights over his dad Warrick Benton, 2nd on 38/100.

 

Overall High Gun honours went to Brett Jory on 96/100 and Nate Palubiski was Junior High Gun with 86/100.            

 

The day went well, but the threat of rain meant that the trap layout crew of Anton Motha, Graham Coyle, Ian Auranaune, Phil Smith, Col Crittenden & Brian Reid must have had one eye on the sky from the time they started until the time they packed it all away after the shoot. Matty Motha would have been there helping too, but the poor young fellow was home sick this time. Thanks to the office crew of Linda Motha, Anita Klima & Alison Harwood and thanks also to Bruce Henshall for running the canteen.

 

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s next competition will be Down the Line on Saturday the 19th of November. Visitors are always welcome. 

 

Saturday 15 October - DTL Competition

A Smashing Day for Phil Matthews                                                         Posted 18 October 2022

The Spring sunshine and clear skies brought out the best in the shooters at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s down the Line competition on Saturday the 15th of October. Border Clay Target Club member Phil Matthews certainly had a smashing time, missing only one of the 110 targets thrown for him throughout the day. Phil and the Corowa club’s Angus Ferguson tussled for top spot all afternoon. Angus scored the day’s only possible in the Double Barrel event, but it was Phil’s consistency that gave him an edge and the coveted High Gun award.

In fact, close tussles were seen throughout the day’s competition. In the Double Barrel event, the biggest winning margin in any grade was only two targets, with all eight of the placegetters shooting 90% or better.

Event 1, 10 Target Eye Opener: Tony Caufield, Angus Ferguson, Angelo Grassi, Jason Holland, Bob Leita, Phil Matthews, Matt Motha, Phil Smith and John Wojcik all shot 10/10 to take a share of the cash divide prize.

Event 2, 50 Target Points Score: AA Grade 1st Phil Matthews 149/150, 2nd Angus Ferguson 144/150. A Grade 1st Bob Leita 142/150, 2nd Angelo Grassi 136/150. B Grade 1st Steve Murphy 138/150, 2nd Phil Wojtowyez 134/150. C Grade 1st Phil Smith 140/150, 2nd Stephen Coulston 134/150.

Event 3, 50 Target Double Barrel: AA Grade 1st Angus Ferguson 50/50, 2nd Phil Matthews 49/50. A Grade 1st Angelo Grassi 66/68 after a shoot-off with Jason Holland, 2nd on 65/68. B Grade 1st Steve Murphy 47/50, 2nd Peter Antonello 45/50. C Grade 1st Phil Smith 49/50, 2nd Stephen Coulston 47/50.

Phil Matthews took the Overall High Gun award with 208/210. Veteran High Gun went to John Wojcik on 201/210, the Ladies High Gun to Lesley Wojtowyez on 176/210 and the Junior High Gun to Matt Motha on 173/210.  

It was great to hear positive comments about the targets from respected shooters during the course of the day. All the more reason to thank the tireless volunteers who front up month after month to make sure the Wang Clay Target Club’s competitions are well run and enjoyable. Anton Motha, Matt Motha & Phil Smith for preparing the grounds, Linda Motha & Alison Harwood in the office, Anita Klima & Bruce Henshall in the canteen.

 

Sunday 09 October - Sporting Clays Competition

High Gun for Henshall at Sporting Clays                                             Posted 19 September 2022

Perfect weather greeted a small but enthusiastic field of shooters at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 9th of October. The sun was out early, making for good visibility and leading to significantly higher scores on average compared to recent competitions. Jake Henshall made the most of those excellent conditions to shoot the day’s highest score and take High Gun honours.

 

Anton & Matt Motha, Brian Reid, Graham Coyle, Phil Smith and new committee member Simon Palubiski pooled their considerable knowledge and experience to produce layouts to suit all skill levels. The nature of the layouts led to tight competition and close scores in all grade levels.

 

Wodonga visitor Ryan Leman took the AA Grade win on 86/100 with local shooter Shaun McGauran 2nd for the second month in a row, this time with 85/100.

 

Jake Henshall shot an excellent 88/100 to take out A Grade. The Henshall name has been associated with the Wang club for a long time, so it was no surprise to see another generation of the family at the pointy end in competition. David Jackel, another well-known face at the club, took 2nd in A Grade on 97/110 after a shoot-off with Charlie Bonnitcha.

 

B Grade went to Matt Motha with 83/100, the second month in a row he’s topped the grade. Benalla Field & Game shooter Paul Jacobs was 2nd on 81/100.

 

Finn McBurnie is not even a teenager yet and only started shooting back in June of this year, but he shot an impressive 72/100 to win C Grade. Host club member Paul Everingham was 2nd on 66/100.

 

Overall High Gun went to Jake Henshall with 88/100. Junior High Gun was Mitch Benton on 70/100. Trina Adams took the Ladies High Gun with 81/100 and the Veterans High Gun was Reg Carmody on 85/100.

 

Thanks to the trap layout crew mentioned above, to Linda Motha & Alison Harwood for running the office and to Anita Klima & Bruce Henshall for looking after the canteen. It seems to be the same names each month when talking about the volunteers. A few new faces on the team would be greatly appreciated.

 

At the end of the day, after the presentations, the club’s exciting new Universal Skeet layout was opened up and 15 shooters gave it a try. Maybe it’s called Universal Trench because all those who shoot it tend to be universally impressed.  

Saturday 17 September - DTL Competition

Sombre Day at Annual Dick English Handicap Shoot                     Posted 19 September 2022

Saturday the 17th of September’s Down the Line shoot was a rather sombre occasion. The pleasure usually gained from spending a day with friends and competing against like-minded shooters was tempered by the loss of Ernie Williams, an absolute legend at the club, who had passed away just days before the event at the age of 101. A minute’s silence was observed before competition got under way and members of Ernie’s family were present to help commemorate the extraordinary life of an extraordinary man.

Ernie must have been annoyed at not being at the club to keep an eye on things, as was his custom, because the day felt like he’d arranged with his new friends upstairs to send down some rather foul weather. Sporadic sprinkles of rain and gusty wind persisted throughout the afternoon, leading up to a heavy downpour that brought a short break to proceedings just prior to the main event, the Dick English Memorial Handicap.

Nevertheless, it was great to have a number of shooters who hadn't been seen at the club for a while appearing amongst the prize winners and, what started on a sad note with the loss of a very senior long-time Wang club member, ended on a high note, and somewhat fittingly, with the main event being taken out by a very young junior Wang club member. 

 

Event 1, 30 Target Double Barrel: AA Grade 1st Keith Willett 30/30, 2nd Adam Beechey 28/30. A Grade 1st Anton Motha 29/30, 2nd Bob Glossop 28/30. B Grade 1st John King 27/30, 2nd Matt Motha 26/31 after a shoot-off with Phil Smith. C Grade 1st Ben Jones 24/30, 2nd Paul Everingham 20/30.

 

Event 2, 30 Target Points Score: AA Grade 1st Terry Pigram 114/114, 2nd Keith Willet 113/114. A Grade 1st Angelo Grassi 89/90, 2nd Bob Glossop 81/90. B Grade 1st Matt Motha 78/90, 2nd Phil Smith 71/90, after a shoot-off coin toss with John King. C Grade 1st Brian Reid 81/96, 2nd Ben Jones 80/96.

 

Event 3, 30 Target Dick English Memorial Handicap: 1st Matt Motha 29/30 off 17 metres, 2nd Keith Willett 28/30 off 23 metres, 3rd Terry Pigram 27/30 off 25 metres.

 

Overall High Gun honours went to Keith Willett, who only missed two targets all day to finish with 148/150. Veterans High Gun was won by Bob Glossop with 132/150 and Matt Motha was Junior High Gun, also on 132/150.

 

John ‘Irish Jack’ McGauran, sponsor of the Dick English Memorial Handicap, was on hand to present the shield to Matt Motha, whose name will be engraved on it alongside some big-name previous winners.

 

Thanks to the volunteers who helped to make the day a success, in spite of the rain. Anton & Matt Motha, Phil Smith, Brian Reid and Paul Everingham for preparing the grounds. Linda Motha and Alison Harwood in the office, and a special thanks to Anita Klima for running the canteen and for making two huge pavlovas for everyone to enjoy in Ernie Williams’ honour. He may have been 101, but Ernie's sweet tooth was still in working order and he was very fond of Anita’s pavs.

  

Sunday 11 September - Sporting Clays Competition

Sporting Clays Success for Marty Seymour                        Posted 13 September 2022

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 11th of September was held in clear and mild conditions, so while the weather presented no challenge to the shooters, the targets set up by hard-working club volunteers Phil Smith and Ian Auranaune certainly did.  

 

The variability of Sporting Clays is what makes it so enjoyable for many shooters and, as in golf, there are easy courses and tricky ones. Last Sunday’s course at Wangaratta was a tricky one, but Yarrawonga shooter Marty Seymour was up to the challenge. His final score of 85/100 gave him the AA Grade win and the Overall High gun award. Shaun McGauran, recently promoted to AA Grade, took 2nd, just one target down on 84/100.

 

A Grade went to Brian Taylor with 78/100 from the Corowa club’s Royce Wojtowyez, 2nd on 75/100.

 

Matt Motha was out at the club early on Sunday to help prepare grounds, but had enough energy left to shoot a respectable 58/100 to take the B Grade win.

 

New club member Warrick Benton was shooting in his first competition and took the C Grade win with 35/100. Benalla Field & Game shooter Michael Murrell was 2nd with 29/100.

 

Overall High Gun went to Marty Seymour on 85/100. The Veterans category went to Max Kavanagh on 71/100. Angela Kloppenborg took the Ladies category with 61/100. The Juniors category went to Mitch Benton with 48/100. Young Mitch probably did a lot of talking about scores with his dad, C Grade winner Warrick, on the way home.

 

Thanks to the usual core of volunteers who keep the cogs turning at every competition. Anton & Matt Motha, Col Crittenden, Phil Smith and Ian Auranaune for preparing the grounds. Alison Harwood and Linda Motha in the office and Bruce Henshall & Anita Klima in the canteen. Keeping an eye on proceedings and filling any breech in the lines, the omnipresent Brian Reid.

  

Saturday 20 August - DTL Competition

Big Scores & Something Special at DTL Competition             Posted 23 August 2022

 

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Down the Line shoot on Saturday the 20th of August was held in far from ideal conditions, with dark foreboding skies and a chilly breeze. Nevertheless, there were a few possibles shot and, after a short rain break, the twenty two shooters who turned out for the day’s three events were rewarded for their effort by the sun coming out around mid-afternoon.

 

 

Club member John Wojcik made a welcome return to local competition, having just returned from representing Australia at the Universal Trench World Championships in Italy. The European competition obviously sharpened John’s already impressive skills and he featured prominently in the results on Saturday.

 

Event 1 30 Target Single Barrel: AA Grade 1st Brock Thompson 30/30, 2nd Ross Liersch 30/32 after a shoot-off with Philip Thiel. A Grade 1st Jordan Wright 28/30, 2nd Greg Rowe 26/30. B Grade 1st Matt Motha 25/31, 2nd Phil Smith 24/31. C Grade 1st Bob Foster 26/30, 2nd Nate Palubiski 25/30.

 

Event 2 30 Target Points Score: AA Grade 1st Terry Pigram 88/90, 2nd John Wojcik 87/90. A Grade 1st Greg Rowe 81/90, 2nd Bob Glossop 80/90. B Grade 1st Matt Motha 85/90, 2nd Simon Palubiski 69/90. C Grade 1st Nate Palubiski 86/90, 2nd Bob Foster 83/90.

 

Event 3 30 Target Double Barrel: AA Grade 1st John Wojcik 30/30, 2nd Ross Liersch 29/30. A Grade 1st Greg Rowe 30/30, 2nd Jordan Wright 28/30. B Grade 1st Matt Motha 29/30, 2nd Simon Palubiski 27/30. C Grade 1st Nate Palubiski 29/30, 2nd Stephen Coulston 33/37 after a shoot-off with Tony Caufield.

 

Overall High Gun honours went to Ross Liersch on 165/175, but only after a shoot-off with Terry Pigram. The well-travelled John Wojcik took the Veterans High Gun with 142/150 and keen-as-mustard youngster Nate Palubiski took the Junior High Gun with 140/150.

 

At the completion of the day’s events, the club had something special in store and club president Anton Motha invited those present to sample the club’s recently completed Universal Trench facilities. The layout is not quite ready for regular practice or competition, but the dozen or so shooters who took up the invitation were impressed with this exciting new discipline and enjoyed the experience.

 

Thanks to volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort to make the day run smoothly and thanks to the competitors who make all that effort worthwhile. 

  

Sunday 14 August - Sporting Clays Competition

Shale so close to a perfect score                                                 Posted 17 August 2022

    

Rutherglen shooter Adam Shale very nearly shot a clean card at the Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 14th of August. He was in good company, with scores generally high throughout the grades. A chilly wind and an occasional patch of drizzle didn’t deter competitors, with seven squads of shooters signing up for the event.

 

Adam Shale finished well ahead of the pack to take AA Grade with an excellent 98/100. Second went to Marty Seymour, for the third month in a row, on 103/110, after bumping off his good mate Brodie Seccull in a shoot-off.

 

A Grade went to Shaun McGauran on 108/130 after a shoot-off with the host club’s David Jackel, who finished with 107/130.

 

Harry Weygood won B Grade for the second month in a row, this time with 80/100. Albury shooter Tom Brissenden took 2nd, only one target behind on 79/100.

 

SSAA Wodonga’s Troy Lowe was victorious in C Grade with 70/100 from Melbourne visitor Darren Bull, 2nd on 62/100.

 

Overall High Gun went to Adam Shale, probably still rueing those two dropped targets, on 98/100. The Veterans category went to Wagga visitor and very well-known face around the Wang club, Victor Bowman on 80/100. Gaye Shale gained some family bragging rights by pipping her daughter Demi Shale in a shoot-off to take out the Ladies category with 87/110. The Juniors category went to another impressive Rutherglen shooter in Nate Palubiski on 83/100.

 

Thanks to the volunteers who make it possible for the club to conduct competitions. Ian Auranaune, Trevor Bussell, Col Crittenden, Anton & Matt Motha and Phil Smith for setting up the grounds. Alison Harwood, Linda Motha & Anita Klima in the office and Bruce Henshall for running the canteen, assisted by Brian Reid.

  

Saturday 16 July - DTL Competition

Thompson on Top in DTL                                                              Posted 19 July 2022

 

Brock Thompson made the most of his trip to the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Down the Line shoot on Saturday the 16th of July. The Wagga club shooter won two of his three events and ended the day with the highest aggregate score. He certainly didn’t have it easy though, as there were other shooters nipping at his heels throughout the day. Then there was the added challenge of the frigid weather and strong blustery winds. It’s hard to shoot straight when one’s teeth are chattering.

 

The first event was the 25 target Single Barrel and the Border club’s Phil Matthews took the AA Grade win on 23/26 after a shoot-off with Keith Willett, who finished with 22/26.

 

In A Grade, the consistent Bob Glossop shot the event’s highest Off the Gun score of 23/25 to win, with Rick Palmer 2nd on 22/25.

 

B Grade went to Wang club veteran Bob Foster on 21/25. It was a popular win after the effort Bob has made to get himself back to shooting fitness. Craig Sessions took 2nd with 19/25.

 

Mt Bogong club shooter Tony Caufield took out C Grade with 21/26 after a shoot-off with Wang club stalwart Brian Reid, making a rare appearance in competition to score 20/26. It’s surprising that our Brian has the energy to shoot, given the hours he puts into the club, both as Vice President and behind the scenes.

 

Event 2 was the 25 target Double Barrel and AA Graders Brock Thompson, Phil Matthews and Royce Wojtowyez each scored a perfect 25/25. In the shoot-off, Royce dropped out to leave Brock and Phil locked on 50/50. The two decided on a coin toss to settle things with Brock taking the win and Phil taking second place.

 

A Grade once again went to Bob Glossop on 24/25 with Rick Palmer again in 2nd on 22/25.

 

In B Grade, Craig Sessions took 1st with 23/25. A shoot-off between hard working Wang club volunteers Matt Motha and Phil Smith saw Matt take 2nd with 21/26.

 

Junior shooter Carson Weingott, who’s obviously inherited his granddad David Luelf’s skills, took C Grade with an impressive 24/25. Second went to Terry Nieuwenhout on 23/25.

 

The final event was the 25 target Point Score and Brock Thompson shot another perfect score to take AA Garde on 75/75. Second went to Phil Matthews on 84/87 after a shoot-off with Keith Willett and Royce Wojtowyez.

 

Bob Glossop made it a hat trick of A Grade wins on 72/75 with Rick Palmer completing his own hat trick in 2nd on 64/75.

 

B Grade went to Matt Motha with an excellent 74/75 from Craig Sessions in 2nd on 68/75.

 

Mansfield Veteran David Luelf also shot an excellent 74/75 to take C Grade with Ryan Logan in 2nd on 69/75.

 

Overall High Gun honours went to Brock Thompson on 120/125 and Bob Glossop took the Veterans High Gun award with 119/125. Matt Motha was the Junior High Gun on 112/125.   

 

Thanks to Anton & Matt Motha, Brian Reid and Phil Smith for setting up the grounds, Linda Motha, Anita Klima & Ernie Williams for running the office and Bruce Henshall for looking after the canteen.

 

The club will hold its Annual General Meeting at 1230 on Saturday the 30th of July. All members are encouraged to attend. 

Sunday 10 July - Sporting Clays Competition

The Usual Suspects Shine in Wang                                              Posted 12 July 2022

 

There were some familiar names at the top of the charts after the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 10th of July. Just like he did last month, Brodie Seccull finished with the highest overall score. Not only that, but Marty Seymour and David Jackel also repeated their June results by finishing with the second and third highest scores respectively.

 

At least the weather was different this time around and clear sunny skies greeted the five squads of shooters in attendance. Long-time committee member Phil Smith beat the sparrows out of bed on Sunday and he was at the grounds early, planning the trap layouts. With help from Brian Reid, Russell Barnes, Anton & Matt Motha, the grounds were set up to provide a challenging day’s sport for the shooters. 

 

Brodie Seccull was certainly up to the challenge and he took out AA Grade with 90/100. Second went to Marty Seymour on 88/100. 

 

In A Grade, Wang club Life Member David Jackel took the win for the third month in a row, this time with 83/100. Mark Reynolds was second on 77/100. 

 

B Grade went to F&G shooter Harry Weygood on 78/100 with Chris Kloppenborg’s 69/100 securing him second place. 

 

Last month’s C Grade 1st and 2nd placed shooters reversed their finishing order this month, with Brett Dixon, Vice President of Wodonga SSAA, victorious on 64/100 and Stephen Coulston focussing on clays rather than cows long enough to take 2nd on 58/100. 

 

Overall High Gun went to Brodie Seccull on 90/100. The Veterans category went to Barry Ellis, using his exquisite old 1896 vintage Joseph Lange double barrel to score 61/100. Trina Adams took out the Ladies category with 61/100. The Juniors category went to hard working club volunteer Matt Motha on 71/100. Young Finn McBurnie is only 12 years old and has been shooting for just on a month, but his keen interest and mature attitude won him the Encouragement Award. 

 

Thanks to the volunteers who braved a chilly Winter’s morning to help set up the grounds. Thanks also to Bruce Henshall in the canteen, and to Anita Klima, Linda Motha & Ernie Williams in the office. 

 

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s next competition will be Down the Line on Saturday the 16th of July. Visitors are always welcome. 

 

The club will hold its Annual General Meeting at 1230 on Saturday the 30th of July. All members are encouraged to attend. 

Saturday 18 June - DTL Competition

Three Way Tussle for DTL Top Spot                                               Posted 21 June 2022

 

In spite of disappointingly low numbers, competition was fierce at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Down the Line shoot on Saturday the 18th of June. The excellent conditions allowed competitors to demonstrate their skills and at the end of the main events, three shooters were tied for Overall High Gun honours.

 

Event 1 was the 25 target Point Score and the Wang club’s Keith Willett took out AA Grade with 70/75, dropping only one target, but using his second barrel twice.

 

A shoot-off was needed to sort out A Grade. Scott McKenzie was the first to drop out of the group, leaving Trevor Harbor, a long way from his Hay Gun Club base, to take the win on 82/87. Bob Glossop was 2nd with 79/87.

 

In B Grade, the reliable Craig Sessions missed only one target to score 70/75 for the win. Second went to Echuca visitor Nick Dean on 58/75.

 

C Grade went to Mansfield’s David Luelf, repeating the excellent form he showed at last month’s shoot. David’s 71/75 was the highest OTG score across all grades. Second in C Grade was St James Gun Club stalwart Peter Gorrie on 66/75. It was great to see Peter back in Wang for a shot.

 

The second event on the card was a 5O target Double Barrell and AA Grade went to Keith Willett on 47/50.

 

Once again, a shoot-off was necessary to decide the A Grade winner. Bob Glossop, after a run of second places at recent events in Wang, took his well-deserved position on the top step with 51/54. Second went to Trevor Harbor on 50/54. Echuca club shooter Kerrie Dean was the unfortunate one to drop out of the shoot-off.  

 

In B Grade, Craig Sessions and Nick Dean duplicated their earlier result, with Craig in 1st on 46/50 and Nick, getting ever so close this time, 2nd on 45/50.

 

C Grade went to Numurkah/Shepp shooter Ben Jones with 45/50, but with three shooters tied for second place yet another shoot-off was needed. It became a two-way contest when Stephen Coulston had to head off early to milk those inconsiderate dairy cows of his back in Tangambalanga. David Luelf prevailed over Peter Gorrie to take 2nd with 47/53.

 

The three-way tussle mentioned earlier was the shoot-off for overall honours. Trevor Harbor, Bob Glossop and Keith Willet finished the main events equal on points and it took a further 29 targets before Trevor emerged as the day’s Overall High Gun with 176/184.

 

Bob Glossop took some consolation from his Veterans High Gun award with 173/184 and Kerrie Dean took the Ladies High Gun on 102/125. Young Mitch Benton, attending his first competition with proud grandfather Harvey Benton, took the Junior High Gun award. Mitch only shot the Double Barrel event, but managed an impressive 39/50.   

 

Thanks to Phil Smith for running the show, Bruce & Brian in the canteen and Alison, Anita & Ernie in the office. Most importantly, thanks to the shooters who support the Wangaratta Clay Target Club.

Sunday 12 June - Sporting Clays Competition

Seccull Runs Hot at Chilly Sporting Clays Shoot                   Posted 16 June 2022

Brodie Seccull was on fire at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 12th of June. Given the frigid wind that seemed to be coming directly from the South Pole, Brodie’s form was about the only thing with much heat to it that day.

 

The low temperature, dark foreboding skies and flukey gusts of wind throughout the day made a stark contrast to the ideal conditions experienced at the club’s previous competition only a few weeks ago. An occasional glimpse of blue sky may have provided some cheer to the five squads of shooters, but scores were noticeably down on previous events.

 

In AA Grade, the in-form Brodie Seccull took the win and the day’s overall High Gun award with 93/100, scoring the day’s only possible along the way. Second went to Marty Seymour on 98/110, after a shoot-off with David De Maria.

 

David Jackel repeated his performance from the May competition to once again win A Grade, this time on 86/100. Second went to Alan Seccull, the AA Grade winner’s dad, with 83/100.

 

B Grade went to Matt Motha with 72/100. This was young Matt’s first win since being promoted from C grade. Second in B Grade was Barry Ellis, another shooter repeating last month’s performance. Barry and his delightful old 1924 vintage Greener G45 managed to break 61/100. 

 

Stephen Coulston’s 64/100 gave him the C Grade win. He was under some pressure, though, with son Bailey scrutinising Dad’s technique from the sidelines. Bailey would normally be shooting too, but had his arm in plaster after a footy injury. Brett Dixon was only one target down in 2nd with 63/100.

 

The Veterans category went to Wagga shooter Max Kavanagh with 81/100. Max was certainly consistent, shooting 20, 20, 21 & 20 in the four rounds.

 

Thanks to the Ian Auranaune, Phil Smith, Anton Motha & Matt Motha who were up early on a frigid winter’s morning to set up the grounds. Thanks also to Anita Klima & Brian Reid in the canteen, and to Linda Motha & club legend Ernie Williams in the office.   

Saturday 21 May - DTL Competition

Perfect Conditions for DTL Competition                                           Posted 24 May 2022 

Clay target shooters are a responsible bunch and they take their democracy seriously. Saturday the 21st of May was federal election day, so that might account for the relatively low turnout at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Down the Line competition. Nevertheless, the three squads that did sign up made the most of the excellent conditions to achieve some impressive results, with at least one perfect score shot in each of the four events.

 

The first event was the 10 Target Single Barrel Eye Opener. Zac Felmingham, David Luelf, Craig Sessions and Terry Walls all shot 10/10 to take a share of cash divide prize.

 

Event 2 was the 25 Target Single Barrel. Yarrawonga Gun Club’s Terry Walls smashed all 25 to take out AA Grade, with Angus Ferguson 2nd on 24/25.

 

In A Grade, Darren Clark and Bob Glossop tied on 22/25. Darren came out on top in the shoot-off to take 1st place with 25/28 to Bob’s 24/28.

 

B Grade saw another perfect score, with Cosgrove club shooter Zac Felmingham’s 25/25 giving him the win over Junior category shooter Matt Motha on 24/25.

 

David Luelf made the drive from Mansfield worthwhile by taking C Grade with 19/25. Wang club veteran Keith Brown was 2nd on 17/25.

 

Next up was the 25 target Handicap. Interestingly, the top four finished in reverse grade order. C Grade veteran David Luelf, off 15 metres, took 1st place with an excellent 25/25. B Grader Zac Felmingham shot off 17 metres to take 2nd place with 24/25. Club President Anton Motha, an A grader shooting off 19 metres, tied for 3rd place on 22/25 with AA grader Angus Ferguson (23 metres). A coin toss decided third place in Anton’s favour.

 

The final event was the 25 Target Double Barrel. Scores were close throughout this event and the winning margin was only one target in three of the four grades. AA Grade went to the host club’s John Wojcik with a perfect 25/25. John was recently selected in the Australian team for the 2022 Universal Trench world championships in Italy. Domingo Diaz took 2nd in AA Grade on 29/30, after a shoot-off with Angus Ferguson.

 

Mansfield club shooter Darren Clark and local Bob Glossop repeated their Event 2 double act, with Darren taking A Grade on 24/25 to Bob’s 23/25.

 

Stephen Coulston gave his Tangambalanga dairy herd the day off so he could come to Wangaratta to shoot. He took B grade with 25/27, but only after a shoot-off with Zac Felmingham, who finished 2nd on 24/27.

 

David Luelf backed up his single barrel win earlier in the day by taking out C Grade with 22/25. Once again it was Keith Brown keeping him company, taking 2nd with 19/25.

 

High Gun winners were, Overall, Zac Felmingham, shooting in Wang for the first time in 15 years, 82/85; Veterans, David Luelf 76/85; Ladies, Jess Goodall, shooting again after taking an 18 month break to have her beautiful baby Mia, 59/85; Juniors, Matt Motha 73/85.   

Sunday 08 May - Sporting Clays Competition

Challis Pips McGauran for Sporting Clays Honours                          Posted 10 May 2022 

 

Despite the less than favourable weather and the fact that it was Mother’s Day, five squads of shooters turned out for the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 8th of May. Clay target shooters are a respectful bunch, so they undoubtedly set Mum up with at least a cup of tea before heading off to the gun club.

 

The club’s small but dedicated team of volunteers were at it early to set up the traps, the office and, perhaps most importantly, the canteen. Anita’s pulled pork rolls made the trip to Wang worthwhile on their own; the challenging targets and fine shooting were just a bonus.

 

In AA Grade, the very experienced Tom Challis finished the four rounds tied with local shooter Rhys McGauran, necessitating a shoot-off. Tom came out ahead in the end with 96/110 to Rhys’ 94/110.

 

David Jackel took time off from his apiarist duties to win A Grade and High Gun for the day with an excellent 92/100. Second in A Grade went to Shepparton SCA member Neil Campbell on 88/100.

 

New South Welshman Neville Brearley won B Grade with 77/100 from vintage gun connoisseur Barry Ellis, who hit 75/100 with his old 1890s Stephen Grant side by side.

 

Brad Walker looked to be having a lot of fun at Sunday’s shoot and he went home with the C Grade prize under his arm. His 55/100 gave him the win from hard-working host club volunteer Alison Harwood, second on 42/100.

 

The Ladies category went to Wodonga Albury Field & Game member Angela Kloppenborg with 71/100. Top scorer in the Juniors category was Matt Motha on 77/100. Veterans category top scorer was Alan Backman with 91/100. Alan is a Port Phillip Field & Game Club member, so a big thank you to him and to all the other shooters and visitors who travelled from far afield to attend the competition.

 

As always, it was a great day’s sport and a chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones, too. To top it off, in honour of Mother’s Day, all the ladies involved in the competition scored a box of chocolates.   

 

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s next competition will be Down the Line on Saturday the 21st of May.

 

The club holds practice sessions twice a week from 1330 until 1730. On Saturdays for DTL, except the 3rd Saturday of each month, and on Wednesdays for DTL and Sporting Clays. Non-members and visitors are welcome.      

Saturday 16 April - DTL Competition

DTL Competition Makes a Welcome Return                                       Posted 19 April 2022 

  

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club has not held a Down the Line competition in over two years. COVID lockdowns flowed into major redevelopment works at the club’s North Wangaratta facilities, putting a stop to competitive shooting. Those works are ongoing, but Saturday the 16th of April saw DTL make its long-awaited return. Perfect weather and an excellent turn out of seven squads of shooters made for a great day’s sport.

 

Event 1 was a 10 Target Eye Opener Cash Divide. Unfortunately for anyone hoping to retire on the winnings, seven shooters scored 10/10 to share the purse; Noah Calandro, Cameron Ford, Jo-Anne Ford, Brett Jory, Ross Liersch, Darren Saunders & Keith Willett. It was good to see B Grader Jo-Anne up there with the AA & A Grade blokes.

 

Event 2, the 30 Target Double Barrel, saw close scores throughout and shoot-offs required to settle to top two in all grades. AA Grade went to Phil Matthews with Ross Liersch in 2nd place, the two gentlemen deciding the final placings with the toss of a coin. Both had shot clean 30/30 main rounds and 25/25 in the shoot-off, which also included Angus Ferguson & Darren Saunders.

 

It was a family affair in A Grade, with Pat Calandro taking the win with 31/32 from his son Noah Calandro on 30/32.

 

B Grade was won by Junior shooter Matt Motha on 35/36. Matt was shooting beautifully in the main round and looked to be on his way to glory before dropping the last of his 30 targets. Wang club veteran Keith Brown was in top form and he also missed only one of the first 30 targets, finishing 2nd after the shoot-off with 34/36.

 

In C Grade, it was the Cass and Kim show. Walmer Gun Club shooter Cass Comensoli was victorious on 28/30 with Kim Thompson 2nd on 32/35 after a shoot-off with David Plum.

 

Event 3 was the 30 Target Point Score. Angus Ferguson had earlier dropped out of the Event 2 shoot-off, but made up for it this time and took 1st place in AA Grade with 90/90. Phil Matthews was only one target back in 2nd on 89/90. 

 

Pat Calandro took another win in A Grade with 88/90. Corowa shooter Rod Green took 2nd with 89/96 after a shoot-off with Yarrawonga veteran Roy Ellis. Rod’s 2nd place was fair reward for his help in the office sorting out the scoring software. 

 

B Grade was won by Les Comensoli with an impressive 89/90. Northern Vic Ammo Supplies proprietor Jo-Anne Ford was 2nd on 87/90. 

 

Cass Commensoli came back for more in C Grade, taking another 1st place with 80/90. Second went to Euroa’s David Plum on 82/96, reversing his earlier shoot-off result with Kim Thompson. 

The final event on the card was a 30 Target Handicap. Darren Saunders, shooting off 24 metres, took 1st with 30/30. Les Comensoli off 17 metres took 2nd with 29/30 and Angus Ferguson off 22 metres was 3rd with 28/30.

 

High Gun winners were, Overall, Darren Saunders 158/160; Veterans, Bob Glossop 143/160; Ladies, Jo-Anne Ford 146/160; Juniors, Cameron Ford 140/160. 

Sunday 10 April - Sporting Clays Competition

Connell Claims Sporting Clays Top Spot                                           Posted 12 April 2022 

 

Margins were tight at the top for shooters at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club’s Sporting Clays competition on Sunday the 10th of April. In both AA Grade and A Grade, only one target separated 1st and 2nd place. Further down the order, scores tended to spread a bit more, but the standard of shooting throughout the day was very high, in spite of changeable weather and a constantly varying sky.

 

Brett Jory continued his good form from last month to once again take out AA Grade, this time with a score of 87/100. Russell Barnes was 2nd to Jory last month and was 2nd to him again this month. Russell managed to improve his score by 5 targets this time to finish on 86/100, just one shy of the win.

 

Marc Connell & Alan Seccull spend a lot of time shooting together and on Sunday they were never too far apart, literally and on the score board. They shot in the same squad and finished the day separated by only one target. Marc’s impressive 89/100 gave him the A Grade win as well as the day’s High Gun award. Alan’s 88/100 secured him 2nd place in A Grade.

 

In B grade, Gil Farish gave himself an extra challenge by using his 20 gauge gun, rather than the otherwise universally used 12 gauge guns. It was certainly no impediment though and Gil took the class win on 85/100. Andrew Jacobs was 2nd in B Grade with 81/100. Andrew even managed 25/25 in his final round.

 

C Grade went to Tangambalanga dairy farmer Stephen Coulston with 77/100. Stephen has recently returned to competitive shooting after a long break. Second went to Brad Walker, another Tangam local, on 63/100. Something in the water up there, or is it just the quality of that Kiewa milk?

 

Marion Barnes was top scorer in Ladies with 54/100.  Top Junior was Matt Motha on 79/100, none the worse for wear after all the hours he’s put in rebuilding the club’s fences. A very happy Malcolm Hill topped Veterans, using his lovely new Caesar Guerini to smack 88/100, including a 25/25 third round. Young Bailey Coulston had a great day out with his dad Stephen, the C Grade winner, and scored the Club President’s Encouragement Award.

 

As always, any club is only as good as its volunteers, so a big thank you to Linda Motha in the office and the canteen crew of Anita Klima & Phil Smith. The usual brains trust of Graham Coyle, Anton and Matt Motha, Russell Barnes, Ian Auranaune and Phil Smith put together two interesting and challenging layouts to keep the shooters on their toes.

Sunday 13 March - Sporting Clays Competition

Sporting Clays Glory for Jory                                                          Posted 15 March 2022 

 

Brett Jory missed last month’s return to competition at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club, but he certainly didn’t miss many targets at the Sporting Clays shoot held on Sunday the 13th of March. Jory has a habit of finishing near the top and on this occasion, he took out AA Grade and the overall High Gun award.

 

The Wang club’s team of Graham Coyle, Russell Barnes, Ian Auranaune and Matt Motha put a lot of thought into the targets and set a pair of interesting layouts. The targets must have been slightly more challenging than last month’s, going by the comparatively lower overall scores at the end of the day. Seven squads of shooters, including Chris Reginato all the way from Karratha in WA, enjoyed a great day of sport under mild skies.

 

As mentioned, Brett Jory took AA Grade with 93/100 from Russell Barnes, 2nd on 81/100. Russell’s early start to help set up the grounds might have deprived him of some sleep and taken the edge off his game.

 

David Jackel repeated his February win in A Grade, this time with 85/100. The pressure is on now for David to complete the hat trick at April’s event. Second in A Grade went to Trevor Jones, just one target down on 84/100.

 

In B Grade, Matthew Smith went one better than his 2nd place last month and took victory, but only after a shoot off with Harry Pfeiffer. Both had completed the four rounds on 84/100, but Matt prevailed in the shoot off to finish on 99/120 to Harry’s 97/120.

 

C Grade saw Ron Desira claim the win with 58/100 from Marion Barnes a mere one target down on 57/100. Marion puts a lot of effort into her practice, so it’s good to see it paying off in competition.

 

High Gun winners were, Overall, Brett Jory 93/100; Ladies, Alison Harwood 52/100; Juniors, Matt Motha 71/100 and Veterans, Bruce Duncan 84/100. Bruce actually tied for 2nd in A Grade, but he’d had hip replacement surgery less than three weeks ago and opted out of the shoot off, preferring to rest his bones for future campaigns.

 

Thanks to Linda Motha & Alison Harwood for their effort in the office and to Anita Klima & her offsider Brian Reid in the canteen. By all accounts, the bacon and egg rolls were something special. The day went well in all respects, thanks in part to the time and effort put in on trap maintenance by club president Anton Motha and committee member Phil Smith.

 

Shooters are reminded that Down the Line competition will recommence in April. 

Sunday 13 February - Sporting Clays Competition

Marty Marvellous at Return of Competition                                   Posted 14 February 2022 

Competitions made a welcome return to the Wangaratta Clay Target Club on Sunday the 13th of February. The club’s last competition was held in March 2020. Since then, the club has undergone major redevelopment works, which, although not complete, are at least at the stage where Sporting Clays events can be staged.

 

A pleasing turnout of eight squads of shooters fronted up for the day’s 100 Target competition. Two very different layouts were provided, with Graham Coyle, Phil Smith, Russell Barnes & Ian Auranaune putting a lot of thought into making the targets challenging, but interesting for the competitors. Phil was rewarded for his effort later in the day when he won the raffle.

 

The skies remained clear all day, but, even so, the varying angle of light as the clock progresses can make a significant difference in Sporting Clays shooting. Such was the case on Sunday, but nothing could take the edge off Marty Seymour’s aim and he came out on top, taking out the Overall High Gun and AA Grade with a very impressive 98/100. Second in AA Grade was Brodie Seccull on 97/100.

 

It’s worth pointing out that Seymour was also at the pointy end of field in the club’s previous competition way back in 2020, but this year he managed to break five targets more than on that occasion. It seems that like a good bottle of red, Marty is improving with age.

 

In A Grade, local shooter David Jackel took the win with 90/100 from the Cobram F&G club’s Allan Seccull on 89/100.

 

B Grade went to effervescent New South Welshman Bruce Duncan whose 93/100 was only beaten by his sparkling performance in the post competition speeches. Second in B Grade went to the host club’s Matt Smith on 90/100.

 

In C Grade, a fine contrast was evident with junior class shooter Matt Motha winning on 79/100 from veteran class shooter Barry Ellis, who used his 1960s vintage Merkel to hit 75/100. Barry, ever the gentleman, was probably quite OK with seeing a talented youngster pip him for the win.   

 

High Gun winners were, Overall, Marty Seymour 98/100; Veterans, Bruce Duncan 93/100; Ladies, Angela Kloppenborg 81/100.

 

A solid effort by Alison Harwood & Linda Motha in the office and Anita Klima & her apprentice Brian Reid in the canteen saw the competitors well organised and well fed. The day was a great success for the Wangaratta Clay Target Club and we are grateful for the support and understanding shown by shooters and visitors over the difficult period the club has experienced in recent years. 

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Upcoming Events

 

Practice Sessions 

 

Wednesdays

1330 ~ 1730

 

&

Saturdays

1330 ~ 1730

 

 

 

 

 

Click on Calendar of Events tab above for more details about our upcoming shoots. 

 

EFTPOS is now available for the payment of nomination fees at competitions. Practice days & the canteen will remain cash only.