Upwards of 40 shooters took part in the annual Scrubby Creek sports club Christmas clay target shoot on Saturday, made extra special by a visit from Rotary Charleville and the Augathella Freemasons, distributing drought relief in the form of a jumping castle, presents for young and old from Santa, and the evening meal and refreshments.
It was a happy group that gathered to support each other and reflect on the tough year just passed, made easier by good friends and time out.
A special event on the program was the Jon Doyle Memorial, presented in memory of one of the district’s most-respected shooters who died in a car accident in April 2014.
Scrubby Creek club member Dave Picone was the proud recipient of the inaugural award, a 20 target continental shot at the challenging In the Gully trap.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jon’s mother Sonja said it had been a great honour to be asked to have a trophy named in Jon’s memory, saying it showed the high regard he had been shown in.
Three of Jon’s children were on the podium at the end of the day – Emma with the low gun award, Susie with the ladies high gun and George winning the junior high gun.
Event one, a 25 target double barrel, resulted in a three-way tie between Pat Bredhauer, Brad Marks, Rod Reeves and Alex Turnbull.
In event two it was Scrubby Creek shooter Brad Marks who triumphed, winning the 25 target single barrel, from Kipley Hafey of Blackall.
Event three, a 20 target double barrel shot off 17m for the Mark Doyle Memorial, went to Matt Marks, with Alex Turnbull second.
Alex moved up to first place in event four, a 25 target points event, receiving the Turnbull Memorial trophy. Scott Bredhauer was second.
Not surprisingly, Tambo’s Alex Turnbull was the overall winner on the day, while Brad Marks won the Scrubby Creek year-long overall prize.
