Blackall gave clay target shooters from throughout central Queensland a warm welcome in more ways than one on the weekend.
Although temperatures soared above 40 degrees, 80 shooters from as far east as Mackay and as far west as Ilfracombe were vying for a place on representative teams at the central zone championships.
It’s the first time the Blackall club had hosted an event of that magnitude, thanks to a $10,000 state government grant and the installation of a fourth trap, and club secretary Jim Taylor said it had been worthwhile.
“It was great for the town – it put us on the map and brought some money in,” he said.
Zone president Brian Muirson added that it had been a trouble-free weekend, and a good one for a small club to pull off.
Teams were selected at the conclusion of the carnival and they’ll now go on to compete against the four other zones at the state trap carnival at Roma from April 29 to May 1.
With a score of 220/225, Blackall’s Alex Dallas was named the zone champion at the end of the weekend.
High gun winners included: junior – Emma McCulloch, Gemfields; ladies – Lil Brandt, Tambo; Veterans – Alan Powell, Callide; C grade – Brendan Rouse, Springsure; B grade – Kipley Hafey, Blackall; A grade – Martin Hoolihan, Ilfracombe; AA grade – Peter Brandt, Tambo; Overall – Alex Dallas, Blackall.
