Club newcomer blitzes field

More than 70 shooters from around WA took part in a successful January carnival at Albany Clay Target Club last weekend.

More than 30,000 clay targets were used in one of the State’s major events, held in near-perfect conditions at the Albany club, 2km north of Bakers Junction.

Albany Clay Target Club member Malachai Humphrey walked away victorious in the high-gun event, part of the three-day competition.

Humphrey shot an impressive score of 382 out of a possible 385 over the three days to be the overall winner and the open class winner.

Humphrey took home the overall title by one shot from Neil Suckling, who won the AA grade division.

Narrogin’s Suckling put in a strong performance shooting 381 out of 385. Collie shooter Benjamin Butcher took out the A-grade division with a score of 376.

Albany Clay Target Club member Ken Gibson tasted victory at his local club, shooting 369 out of a possible 405 to claim the B-grade division while Augusta competitor Benjamin Royer proved too strong in C-grade, winning with a score of 353/385.

Albany Clay Target Club treasurer Brad Williamson said the weekend was a great success.

“The feedback on the event from shooters all over the State was very good, with shooters pleased with the standard of the grounds and the quality of the targets and hospitality,” Williamson said.

“The cool weather and low wind conditions provided perfect weather, which was reflected in the high scores.”

Other winners included Katanning shooter Jacob Featherstone (juniors), Katrina Smith (ladies) and Gary Kelly (veteran).

The 30,000 clay targets were thrown at speeds over 70 km/h to test the skills of competitors, who used shotguns to hit the targets in the air.

Williamson said there was plenty of highlights throughout the three days.

“The stand-out was Malachai Humphrey, who has only joined the Albany club in the last month, winning the overall event,” he said.

“Malachai is an experienced shooter but new to Albany, and has been a very helpful member given his short time with the club.

“Josh Fleay (Busselton) and Gary Kelly (Geraldton) both shot 225 consecutive targets without missing a target, and Eric Featherstone (Katanning) shot 208 consecutive targets without a miss.

They are all remarkable scores.”