LITTLE did Echuca Moama Field and Game know, but their shoot held on Sunday, March 15 was to be the last for the time being, with the COVID-19 lockdown meaning that future shooting days have been postponed until further notice.
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Rob and the team at Riva Fab in Echuca very generously sponsored the 75 target event, with the course being designed and set up by Jason Smith and helpers the day before.
The targets set provided a great variety, with a quick incoming target on the first station proving a challenge for some, but there being plenty of opportunities to make up for any missed targets along the way.
The course was set up towards the East fence line and it was great to head into ground that isn’t explored very often.
Smith made use of ditches and the abundance of trees to provide some challenges for those participating and his efforts were very appreciated by all 108 shooters in attendance.
Port Phillip member Bill Zogogiannis, Swan Hill's Chris Charleson and Echuca Moama’s Ricky Keirl all came out guns blazing, shooting the first 25 straight for one of the much sought after 25 badges to be awarded at presentations.
It didn’t stop there though, with Zogogiannis shooting the next 25 straight too, and taking home a rather rare 50 badge.
Keirl dropped one target in his second round, but came back with another 25 in his last round, giving him a very impressive score of 74 out of 75.
This meant Keirl finished two targets ahead of Charleson on 72, and four targets ahead of Zogogiannis and Echuca Moama’s Michael Baldwin who both finished on 70 out of 75.
Ricky was awarded High Gun for the day, which is awarded to the person who shoots the most target.
At the end of the day's shooting there were quite a few shoot-offs to decide places in AA, B and C grades as well as Ladies, Vets and Sub Juniors.
A shoot off is where two shooters on the same score shoot at a variety of new targets to decide placings for the end of day presentations.
Participants usually shoot at nine targets, but if they are still tied after that, they then shoot again until there is a result.
After the shoot-offs were completed all those in attendance headed back to the club rooms for the presentations to the days winners.
Grade winners for the day included Chris Charleson in AA grade on 72/75, Rushworth's Brendan Hawking won A grade with a score of 66/75, Jeffery Bigham from Bendigo took the honours in B grade on 64/75, Ballarat's Cody Thomas shot 46/75 to win C grade.
Claire Bourke from Kyabram won ladies on 61/75, and Echuca Moama member Roger Kerslake won Vets after a shoot off with a score of 64/75.
The Junior winner was local Bianca Norris, shooting 66/75, and young Tom Dixon from Bendigo rounded out the first place winners, taking out Sub Juniors with a score of 62/75.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are not sure when shooting will begin again at Echuca Moama Field and Game.
The best way to keep up to date with the goings-on around the club is to follow us on Facebook.
Any enquiries can also be directed to our president Ricky Keirl on 0418 922 951.
March shoot results
High Gun: Ricky Keirl 74/75.
AA grade - 1st: Chris Charleson 72/75, 2nd: Michael Baldwin 70/75, 3rd: Bill Zogogiannis 70/75.
A grade - 1st: Brendan Hawking 66/75, 2nd: David Rees 64/75, 3rd: Mick Taylor 63/75.
