The Victorian Clay Target Association State Carnival attracted more than 400 shooters to Echuca in another successful event for the local range.
With a cloud hanging over the viability of the event in the lead-up due to the recent floods, Echuca Clay Target Club president Nick Dean said it was fantastic to see so many high-quality competitors turn up.
“It was touch-and-go in the month leading up because of the flooding we had,” Dean said.
“We had some of the best shooters in the country there over the weekend, bar none.
“It was a very relaxed atmosphere; I think people were rapt to be able to be there and that it all went ahead in the end.”
With eight events held from Thursday to Sunday last week, ECTC was a hive of activity.
Former Olympian Steve Haberman took out the 75-target Champion of Champions event, while Russell Mark and Braden Veale were winners of the double rise and handicap events respectively.
On Saturday, Ben Rumbel claimed the single barrel championship before Shooting Australia National Squad member Mitch Iles provided the highlights in the double barrel.
“Conditions were perfect for the double barrel on Saturday,” Dean said.
“State champion Mitch Iles shot 821 targets to win the double barrel championship, which is no mean feat.”
But perhaps the story of the weekend went to Melbourne Gun Club junior Aimee Norris, who claimed the 50-target point score championship in a thrilling shoot-off.
“She won the overall points score from B-grade, to see that happen was just fantastic,” Dean said.
“Any given day, that old saying. If you’re on, you’re on.
“They came out for the shoot-off in front of the clubhouse with 400 people watching on. She held her nerve and came away with it.”