THE monthly Mansfield Clay Target Club shoot was held on Sunday in overcast conditions with light wind delivering perfect shooting conditions.

A field of 43 competitors made up eight squads competing for the annual President's Cup.

The day was generously sponsored by Paul Keedle of Mount Buller Towing and Mansfield CTC president John Desmond.

The field of competitors included club representatives from far and wide including Alexandra, Benalla, Euroa, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Bendigo, Corowa, Colbinabbin, Woods Point, Shepparton and Cohuna.

The overall event of the day was a combination of four 25 target events tallied for overall and graded high guns.

The first challenge of the day was a 25 target double barrel, followed by 25 single barrel, then 25 Point Score and finally 25 Continental.

Things got under way at the scheduled time of 10.30am with all grades requiring shoot–offs to decide winners.

Overall was Travis Williams (Colbinabbin) 78/78 over AA grade Darryl Hunt (Yarrawonga) 77/78.

A grade winners Cameron Ford (Corowa) 45/46 and Jason Foster (Mansfield) 29/30.

B grade Kevin Kirley (Mansfield) 29/30 and Tony Plum (Benalla) 28/30, C grade Steve Wilson (Mansfield) 29/30 and Tom McGrath (Alexandra) 28/30.

It was straight into the Single Barrel event with the clean overall winner travelling from Cohuna was Greg Hipwell on 25 and second Mick Ward (Woods Point) on 24.

A grade went to Mansfield locals Jason Foster 24 and Marty McLachlan who shot off against two other competitors 25/28.

B grade Ben Jones (Shepparton) 22 and John Winters (Mansfield) who also had to shot–off for his place, scoring 25/29.

C grade Ian Larner (Alexandra) 19 and Phillip McDonough (Mansfield) 18.

After a hearty lunch of pastries and hot dogs event three got under way being a 25 target 'point score' with 3 points awarded a first barrel break, two points for a second barrel and zero for a lost target, a highest possible score for this round being 75.

Local veteran Mingo Diaz shot exceptionally to return to the club house with 74, taking overall and AA grade.

Second was Tim Knight (Bendigo) 73.

A grade winners were Rob Bevis (Woods Point) 69 and Darren Clarke (Mansfield) 68.

B grade Allen Cole (Shepparton) 73 and John Winters 71.

C grade Steve Wilson 65 and Phil McDonnough 60.

Last of all was the 25 target Continental with targets thrown faster and at random angles vertically and horizontally.

There were shoot–offs required over all grades with Alan Kidd (Mansfield) victorious 29/29 taking overall and A grade.

AA grade winners James Hipwell (Colbinabbin) 28/29 and Tim Knight 25/26.

A grade second was junior shooter Cameron Ford 37/38.

B grade was Cameron's sister Olivia 23/26 and Kevin Kirley 22/26.

C grade Phillip McDonough 24/25 and club president John Desmond 21/25.

After the events were tallied Mingo Diaz and Darryl Hunt shared the high gun and AA grade prize both scoring 144 out of a possible 150.

A grade high gun was Cameron Ford, B grade winner John Winters and C grade high–gun Phillip McDonough.

All shooters chipped in with scoring, refereeing and generally helping out to ensure a successful day.

During presentations club president John Desmond paid homage to our friend and colleague Peter Grant who passed away due to a sudden medical event.

Peter was an Alexandra member who never missed a Mansfield competition and was always on the front foot helping out to run competitions and was a highly respected member of the shooting community.

Peter will be missed by all who knew him.

Mansfield Clay Target Gun hosts the North East Zone shoot the third Sunday of each month; the Christmas shoot, is to be held 18th December.

Spectators and new shooters welcome.

The club is family focussed with lunch provided.

All junior shoots sponsored by the club with fees waved for all competitions.

Training is conducted at club grounds each Thursday through daylight savings commencing 4.30pm, Pikes Road Mansfield.

If you are interested in attending just turn up or phone Marty 0490 702 083.