After four years of trying, the Ilfracombe Clay Target Club’s elusive bonus bucket has finally been claimed, by local competitor Rob Hoolihan.
He hit the ground running at the bush event at Griffdale on Saturday, finishing off the first western Queensland shoot for 2016 with the highest score in B grade, 119/125, before having his name drawn out to contest the highly-sought-after prize.
Under the local rules, randomly selected shooting positions from 5m to 25m, are picked from a bucket, along with the ammunition used.
Club spokesman Davo Back said over the years, the money collected – $5 from each person’s nomination fee – had been used to pay for nominations for junior shooters.
“The first year we did it we collected $1200 and last Christmas we had $670 in the kitty.
“Hoolie didn’t win much money because we start afresh each year, but it was a massive accomplishment.”
He said the closest anyone had come before was shooting nine out of 10 targets.
“Overall, it was a fun, relaxing day amongst friends. This time of year is always busy, with school starting and a few local faces absent, but support from surrounding clubs and newcomers Don Brown, Michael Schmidt and Julie Hogan helped fill up three squads,” Davo said.
After points score, double barrel and single barrel events, Barcaldine’s Joanne Taylor topped the C grade tally on 108/125, while Ilfracombe shooters Martin Hoolihan and Davo won the A and AA grade sections, shooting 115 and 120 from 125.
Partners were then selected for a Deauville Doubles match under lights, where old timers Alan McPherson and Bill Chandler tussled with Martin Hoolihan and Maria Pallotta, both destroying the 10 pair with ease.
After a very short shoot-off, Martin and Maria were victorious, taking home a Mars bar for their troubles.
Although clouds failed to deliver drought-breaking rain, overcast conditions kept the heat and most of the flies away for what Davo described as “a truly wonderful afternoon”.
He’s now looking forward to replenishing the bonus bucket and keeping it safe for the juniors for the coming year.
