JACKEL DOESN’T FALTER

Local club member David Jackel maintained a perfect score throughout the day , including a shoot off, to win overall and 1st in AA grade at the Wangaratta clubs  skeet championship event on Sunday 29th November.  Total concentration, steady nerves and a steely determination paid of with a clean score of 112/112, after a shoot off with B grader Mark McDonald finishing on 111/112.  If Mark continues to shoot these top scores, a grade change is inevitable in due course.

Gil. Farish dropped only one target in the 100 target event placing him 2nd in AA grade.  Keen Down The Line competitor Allan Cooper, decided to shoot some skeet for a change and had an excellent score of 97/100, which was enough to win himself A grade, one target ahead of Colin Finn from Numurkah – Shepparton clay target club.  Long term local member and skeet enthusiast Harry Memery scored 89/100 taking 2nd place in B grade.  Warren Fish had a good day with his new Beretta gun taking out C grade on 92/100, ahead of Bairnsdale junior shooter Connor Crane 73/100.

The clubs president, Phillip Smith and his wife Norina, generously sponsored the trophies for the shoot.  Their annual sponsorship is much appreciated by the club, especially considering the amount of time and effort that Phil. Smith contributes to the club in making sure it runs smoothly and efficiently for all shoots.

The club also appreciates the efforts and enthusiasm of two visiting youngsters, Lachy McDonald and Zac Leatham, with their assistance in the office and kitchen.

‘MORTENSEN ONLY 6 DOWN’

Wangaratta Clay Target Club welcomed several new shooters to our grounds on Saturday 3 October for a 100 target 5 Stand Sporting Clays Championship.  Perfect weather once again welcomed shooters to our well manicured grounds, maintained by dedicated and hard working committee member and groundsman Graham Coyle.

A very interesting and challenging range of targets were set up by an eager group of members early on the day.  All targets were well within range of the guns and several stations that appeared straightforward proved more challenging than they appeared.  This arrangement is sometimes tricky to achieve, however the experienced trap setters on the day did an excellent job in providing excellent targets throughout the entire event.

AA grader Brian Mortensen had a nice overall win  by demolishing 94/100, closely followed by his friend Bill Zago 92/100.  Warwick Kelvy shot 80/100 giving him a comfortable win in A grade, with Alex Mikolojewicz taking 2nd place on 74/100.  Regular competitor and local member Trevor Bussell, a multi disciplined all rounder, claimed the sash in B grade with an excellent tally of 86/100, followed closely by Graham Coyle on 85/100.  Ian Auranaune, a very keen 5 stand  competitor, put in a sterling performance by shooting 78/100 to win C grade.  Geoff Agnew also shot very a good result of 77/100, deservedly winning 2nd in his grade.

The club would like to remind all shooters that the grounds are now open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons (excepting the 3rd Saturday of the month) for 5 Stand Sporting Clays practice sessions.  Please contact Brian Reid for more information ph. 03 57217799

HUNT TAKES OUT OVERALL TITLE

Lovely weather encouraged a nice group of 40 trap shooters to take part at the Wangaratta Down the Line shoot held on Saturday 19th.  Great to see a large number of junior shooters turn up for the day,  the club provided a good mix of disciplines that appealed to a large section of the clay target shooting community.

The Continental championship, always a very popular event here, was nicely won by local DTL enthusiast & AA grader Daryl Hunt, with a perfect score of 37/37 – well done Daryl.  One target behind was John Blain winning 2nd with 36/37.  Phil Woods shot 29/30 winning A grade and top veteran all rounder from Mt Beauty, Reg Phefley, put together a wonderful score of 38/40 taking 2nd.  B grader Fred Roper won his grade by breaking 28/31 targets with Neville Bussell taking 2nd on 27/31.  Another junior shooter and top sporting clays competitor Rhys McGauran, won C grade with 45/51 placing Lachy McDonald 2nd place with 44/51.

The next event was the annual 25 target Dick English Mem. Handicap, generously sponsored by the late Dick English’s brother ‘Irish Jack’.  Jack presented the 1st place sash to Allan Cooper, our hard working assistant secretary, after he returned a clean result of 25/25.  Again, back marker Daryl Hunt put in another good effort shooting 43/45 winning 2nd.  Pat Calandro achieved 3rd place in the event with a tally of 42/45.

The last event held was a 50 target Double barrel championship.  Regular visitor from Melbourne to our club, AA grade Dallas Ball, smoked 78/78 clays after a shoot off with Daryl Johnson 77/78.  A skilled effort from both these gentleman, and nice to see them return back home with some trophies.  A grader Ben Antonello also put in a top performance, with a result was 50/50 placing Allan Cooper in 2nd with 69/70.  Another regular shooter to most of our events held at Wangaratta is Neville Bussell.  The Bussell family have been involved with the sport of clay target shooting and namely the Wangaratta Clay Target Club for many decades.  Neville took home the sash for B grade with 49/50, one target in front of keen veteran shooter, Vic Tomasoni 48/50.  Terrific to see another hard working local club member Rob Glossop win C grade 46/50, with lady shooter Jess Goodall taking 2nd on 45/50.

After the scores were tallied at the conclusion of the day, overall winner went to Daryl Hunt,  Junior trophy to Noah Calandro and best Veteran was Allan Cooper.

PIGRAM’S SPORTING CLAYS SUCCESS

Perfect spring conditions welcomed competitors to the Wangaratta Clay Target Club on Saturday 5th September.  After an absence due to equipment maintenance of 5 stand competition events for July and August,  the club was keen to welcome shooters back this month to enjoy a perfect day of this challenging discipline. 

 Club members including Gordon Twamley, Rob Glossop, Neil Plumridge, Ian Auranaune, Trevor Jones and Stephen Tamme arrived early on the day and did a terrific job in setting up all the traps.  Visiting shooters complimented the club on the excellent targets thrown and everything ran like clockwork throughout the day.  The club is looking forward to holding similar days in October and November and will continue to offer shooters a wide variety of target angles to accommodate all skill levels.  Thanks also to Bob Pigram in maintaining the grounds and club room in first class condition.

Terry Pigram took home the overall sash and B grade with an impressive result of 80/100,  with Barry Ellis 2nd in B on 74/100.  AA grader and recognized 5 stand expert shot, Davey Jones, was only one target behind with 79/100.  Victor Bowman wasn’t over impressed with his result of 68/100, however it was sufficient to win him the A grade sash.  Two targets behind on 66/100, placed Alex Mikolajewicz in 2nd place.  Regular Wangaratta shooter and committee member Gordon Twamley took out C grade 67/100 and Neil Plumridge winning 2nd place on 64/100.  An impressive result, considering both gentlemen had an early start with their efforts in the set up for the days event.

The club would like to advise that it will now be providing 5 stand sporting clay practice sessions each Wednesday and also on non competition Saturday’s.  Please contact Brian Reid for more information – ph 57217799. 

JONES TOPS THE FIELD AT WANGARATTA

A magnificent sunny day welcomed a good number of skeet enthusiasts to the Wangaratta Clay Target Clubs August skeet shoot on Sunday 30th.  The day ran very smoothly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere that our club is famous for.

The club would like to thank Bob Pigram for maintaining the grounds and clubrooms in pristine conditions.  Thanks also to Harry Memery for assisting with the early set up duties and Alison Harwood along with Jacqui Wemyss for their help in the canteen.  The club also appreciates the very generous sponsorship received from Bruce Burns and Corsivia targets for providing the trophies on the day.

It was great to see A grader Trevor Jones win the overall title with a top result of 122/124.  Trevor hasn’t shot a lot of skeet recently, however he has an immense amount of experience and expertise in this discipline going back many years.  Brian Reid also shot consistently during the day winning 2nd in A grade with a result of 120/123.  AA grade competitor Mark Rosenboom from Griffith, whom is a very welcome and regular shooter here at Wangaratta, put in a top result of 121/124 ahead of Gil Farish on 96/100, winning Mark his grade.  Nice to see Royce Wojtowyez returning to shoot at the Wangaratta range winning B grade on 96/100, ahead of Ross Winnell taking 2nd place with 82/100. Congratulations to Royce for winning his first 50 break badge.  Local club member and keen skeet enthusiast Aaron Stamp, had a good result winning C grade with 90/100.  Lady shooter Jacqui Wemyss,  another very welcome competitor that our club hasn’t seen for a while,   expertly shot 89/100 taking out 2nd place after a coin toss with Barry Ellis.  

The event finished relatively early and again all shooters enjoyed another terrific day of skeet shooting at one of the best skeet layouts in regional Vic.

Please contact Brian Reid on 57217799 for more information on trap shooting at Wangaratta. 

ROSENBOOM ALMOST CRACKS 100

Mark Rosenboom from Griffith NSW was only one target down out of a total 100, at the July Skeet Championship held at Wangaratta Clay Target Club.  He shot a perfect score of 50/50 under windy and very cold conditions winning overall and A grade in the first event.  He then went on to shoot an impressive score of 49/50 taking out the doubles event.  Under the conditions, this was an excellent performance and one that he should be very proud of.

Shepparton skeet enthusiast Peter Finn, was close on Mark’s heels in the 50 Tgt. event coming in 2nd place in A grade with 49/50.  Wangaratta shooter David Jackel also lost only one target winning AA grade and Gil Farish finished on 48/50 winning 2nd.  Brian Reid was re graded to A grade after puffing up 48/50 targets in B grade, just ahead of Peter Roper from Mt Beauty 46/50.  Nice to see a relative newcomer to skeet, Ben Mason take out C with a result of 36/50.

The second event was a 25 pair Skeet doubles, which always presents a challenge to the less experienced shooters.  After Rosenboom had put in his winning top performance, Colin Finn won 2nd place in A grade with 45/50.  David Jackel, an experienced and excellent doubles shooter finished by hitting 46/50  winning AA grade.  Once again, Gil Farish was only one target behind Jackel on 45/50 claiming 2nd.  Nice to see B grader Peter Roper win the sash with a tally of 41/50 and Ben Mason again taking home another trophy in C grade by demolishing 39/50 clay targets. 

The day finished relatively early, allowing all competitors to escape the cold conditions and enjoying another satisfying skeet shoot at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club.

LIERSCH PUTS IN TOP PERFORMANCE.

A perfect day welcomed shooters to the Wangaratta Clay Target Club Down The Line shoot on Saturday 18 July.  Both the Points Score and Continental championship events proved very popular with all the shooters on the day.

AA grader Ross Liersch, was only 3 points down in the 50 target event, winning the overall champions sash.  Closely followed by John Wojcik in 2nd place, only 1 point behind Liersch.  Rob Nixon had a nice finish winning A grade with a tally of 144/150 and Benalla shooter Tony Plum took 2nd place on 140/150.  Wodonga gent. Bernie Evans scored 143/150 winning B grade,  with Roger Lyford taking out 2nd on 136/150.  C grade was nicely won by William Smith 123/150 and lady shooter Jess Goodall put in a score of 104/150 winning 2nd.

After some adjustment to the three traps,  the field was set up for the 30 target Continental event.  A perfect result of 33/33 saw Glen Evans winning overall and AA,  hot on his heels was Ross Liersch putting in another great effort of 32/33.  A grader Chris Figgins shot consistently winning A grade with 30/31 with Mark Baker on 2nd place 29/31.  A score of 28/31 was shot by Roger Lyford taking out B and Peter Roper, one target behind got 2nd place.  The C grade sash was earned by Lachlan McDonald 26/30 and again Jess Goodall taking out 2nd shooting 22/30.

The ‘Lollipop’ High Guns were awarded to – O/All – Ross Liersch 206/210,  Veterans – Greg. Pinner – 197/210 and best Junior – Andrew Evans 183/210.

JOHNSTON  TOPS  THE  COMPETITION:

The Wangaratta Clay Target Club held its June Skeet shoot on Sunday 28th,  attracting shooters from Melbourne & Gippsland.  A nice winters day prevailed, which allowed for perfect shooting conditions all day.  Several veterans, a junior and two lady shooters all helped make the day another very successful event.  Thanks to Richard Sammon for kindly taking the photos.

It was nice to see husband and wife skeet enthusiasts, Paul and Leonie Johnston visit our grounds here at Wangaratta.  Paul dropped only one target all day, with a score of 108/109, and achieved an overall win in AA grade, after a short shoot off against local member, David Jackel 107/109.  Paul is a dedicated Krieghoff gun owner and his consistent top results using it speaks for itself.  Shepparton father and son pair Peter and Colin Finn, are both regular shooters here locally,  with Peter taking home the A grade sash this time on 96/100 and Colin just behind on 95/100.  Brian Reid shot his personal best winning B grade, finishing with a result of 97/100 and junior top shot Max Sammon won 2nd on 94/105.  Max’s grandfather Brian,  took out C grade by shooting 80/100.

For more information on clay target shooting at Wangaratta, contact Brian Reid ph 03 57217799.

ROBERTS WINS NE ZONE SKEET

Wangaratta Clay Target Club once again hosted the annual Vic. Clay Target Assocn. North East Zone skeet shoot on Sunday 26 April.   Clear skies and some light wind on the day helped make another very successful shoot here at one of the best skeet layouts in country Victoria.  

The first event was the 50 tgt. N.E. Zone Skeet C/Ship. with AA grader Leigh Roberts from Bendigo producing a perfect score to win overall, with local shooter David Jackel in 2nd place on 47/50.  Numurkah – Shepparton skeet enthusiast Colin Finn performed very well winning A grade with 49/50 ahead of club treasurer Phil. Smith in 2nd place 65/68 .  Lady competitor Alison Harwood shot very consistently winning B grade with a score of 46/50, leaving Dennis Savage in 2nd place on 52/58.  Alison has been in good form lately and it was great to see her win her grade at the Wangaratta shoot.  Benalla gent. Max Gribben took out his grade by smashing 44/50 targets placing Simon Kirley in 2nd place in C grade 18/50.

The next event was the N.E. Zone 25 pair skeet doubles C/Ship. which once again Leigh Roberts taking out the O/All champ. sash only two targets down finishing on 48/50,  leaving David Jackel in 2nd place again on 45/50.  Rob. Holloway had a satisfying result of 49/52 taking out A grade ahead of Greg. Miller with 48/52.  Brian Reid shot his best doubles result yet to claim 1st in B grade 45/50 with Dennis Savage next on 40/50.  Max Gribben again won C grade 40/50 leaving Simon Kirley in 2nd place 29/50.

DAVEY JONES DEFEATS TOP FIELD

Some top scores were recorded at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club April 5 100 target Stand championship shoot held on Sunday 12th.  The range of targets were set to suit all capability levels and many positive comments were made during the day by visiting competitors about the excellent targets thrown.

It can be a challenge for the trap setters to arrive at a happy compromise to satisfy both experienced and newcomers alike.  However, this was achieved on the day by keeping shooters of all experience levels satisfied with the wide range of targets thrown.

Davey Jones, from Myrrhee,  scored a brilliant result of 93/100 winning A grade and overall champion on the day,  with Liam Whyte in 2nd place in A grade on 83/100.  AA grader Nicholas Mazurek won his grade after a short shoot off  with a result of 97/110, defeating Ben Woodhouse 95/110.  Local junior shooter Rhys McGauran had a great day winning B grade with a tally of 83/100 ahead of Barry Ellis on 82/100.  It was nice to see Allan Sinclair put in a splendid performance smashing 75/100 targets winning C grade placing Benalla shooter Max Gribben in 2nd on 70/100.  Allan earned himself a grade change for his top performance.

Victor Bowman took out the veterans prize with a score of 81/100 and Max Sammon won the Juniors trophy shooting 61/100.

FABULOUS FAB. WINS OVERALL AT WANGARATTA

Absolutely perfect weather welcomed a good turn up of regular and visiting skeet shooters at the Wangaratta clubs March Skeet shoot, Sunday 29th.  Another terrific day of skeet shooting was enjoyed at our clubs first rate facilities.  Some top scores were shot during the day and everyone went home happy with the excellent targets and hospitality which the club is well recognized for.

O/All & AA top skeet marksman Fab. Francione dropped only one target during the event, producing a score of 99/100.  One target behind, local skeet shooting legend, David Jackel finished with 98/100 winning 2nd place.  Numurkah – Shepparton club member Peter Finn had a nice win in A grade on 96/100 placing Mark McDonald in 2nd place on 94/102.  Club treasurer Phil. Smith went up a grade on the day after a result of 98/100 winning B grade, with Brian Reid two targets behind in 2nd place.  Reid has been a student of the internationally famous USA coach Todd Bender and his results have improved markedly after his tuition by Bender.  C grade was well won by Andrew Menegazzo shooting 94/100 with Brett Ford smashing 90/100 taking out 2nd. 

Special mention to Mark McDonald’s young son Lachlan, who helped out all day in various functions in the kitchen and office.  A future champion for certain !

JORY ON TARGET

Lovely early autumn weather proved ideal for some top results achieved by a large group of Sporting Clay enthusiasts at the Wangaratta Clay Target Clubs shoot held on Sunday 8th March.

The club had the opportunity to try out its new Bowman trap on the day,  which can be set for either Chandelle or Rabbit type clay targets.  Both grounds were set up early Sunday morning offering shooters of all experience levels a chance to bring home one of the trophies, generously sponsored by our 5 stand trap and target supplier INTOSHOOTING located in Shepparton Vic.

Brett Jory missed only 11 targets out of a possible 100 winning overall and AA on the day.  His exceptional talents in both simulated field and sporting clays are well recognized around the country.  Three targets behind gave Russ Taylor a 2nd place in AA grade.  Another consistent top gun, Christian McGauran, returned another brilliant result of 88/100 giving him a comfortable first place in A grade.  Gordon Le Poidevin was almost as accurate, breaking 82/100 winning a well earned  2nd place.  Junior shooter Rhys McGauran had a clear win in B grade 75/100,  ahead of Trevor Bussell 65/100.  Benalla all rounder Max Gribben worked hard all day and took out C grade with 58/100 putting  Clinton Kneebone in 2nd on 52/100.  Best veteran shot for the program was Max Kavanagh 64/100.

ROBERTS TOP GUN AT ATTWOOD – LAW SKEET SHOOT

Very hot conditions welcomed shooters who came to compete in the annual Attwood / Law Skeet championship at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club on Sunday 22 February.  The club has held this event for many years in recognition of two gentleman and skeet enthusiasts that have been closely associated with the club.  Bill Attwood visits from his home in Melbourne each year to present the trophies and catch up with local members that he has known for decades.  Bill has been involved in the sport of trap shooting in various capacities over many years and is well regarded for his contributions in many ways, particularly in regard to the encouragement of junior shooters to the sport.

Kevin Law, a past secretary of the club, passed away several years ago but his many contributions to the club are recognized each year with the holding of this event.

The first event held was the Bill Attwood Championship which resulted in a win for AA grader Leigh Roberts with a perfect score of 60/60 and 2nd place to David Jackel 59/60.  Greg. Miller shot 49/50 to claim A grade with Colin Finn following on 52/55.  B grade was very nicely won by Mark McDonald 57/58 ahead of Phil. Smith on 53/55.  A score of 44/50 was all that was required for Aaron Stamp to win C grade with 2nd place to Reg Carmody 31/50.  We should see more of Reg at future skeet shoots and his results will probably improve after he adjusts his gun chokes to give him a bit more pattern spread.

Gil Farish also shot a perfect tally of 50/50 to win AA and overall in the Kevin Law Mem. Skeet championship nudging Roberts into 2nd place on 74/75.  Greg Miller again took the sash home for A grade dropping only one target with a result of 59/60 and Mark Rosenboom from Griffith took out  2nd with 58/60.  Mark McDonald had another good result winning his second sash for the day in B grade 49/50 with Mario Marino on 55/58 taking 2nd.  In a repeat of the first event,  Aaron Stamp finished 1st in C grade with 42/50 and Reg Carmody in 2nd place on 35/50.

This year resulted once again in Leigh Roberts winning the overall Attwood / Law Skeet Championship, with a stunning performance of 103/104.   David Jackel kept the pressure on Roberts throughout the day,  however Leigh succeeded with a combination of skill and determination.  Reg. Petts took home the Veterans trophy with a result of 90/100.