Sport
28 August, 2024
Students on target at championships
INSPIRED by special guest and Olympic medallist Penny Smith, students at last week’s South West Zone school championships put on a great display of clay target shooting.
Held at the Noorat Gun Club late last week, the championships showcased some of the best young shooters from across the district.
In near-perfect weather conditions, 234 students took part in the event, representing schools from Geelong to Ballarat, and Timboon through to Hamilton.
The competition was divided into four sections – junior girls, junior boys, senior girls and senior boys, with all students vying for the overall trophy.
One of the day’s highlights was the appearance of special guest, Penny Smith, who recently returned from Paris with an Olympic bronze medal.
Displaying her medal, Penny (who won the south west zone championship event back in 2011) inspired the young shooters and their families.
Hamilton and Alexandra College student Benjamin Vallance claimed the overall title after a nail-biting shoot-off against fellow student Lincoln Brown.
Vallance finished the day with an impressive score of 28/30.
Lincoln won first place in the senior boys category, followed by Lachlan Pringle (Hamilton and Alexandra College), with Mercy Regional College student Harrison Glennon in third.
In the senior girls competition, Emmanuel College student Bridie Mason emerged the clear winner with a score of 16/20.
Second place went to Ester Wakim (Kings College), with Amelia Pride (Mercy Regional College) taking home third.
In the junior boys section, Ryder Van Someren from Monivae College showcased his skill by winning the category with an 18/20 score, closely followed by Mortlake College student Harley Pickford on 17 and Trigger Roberts (St Pats College) third on 16.
The junior girls competition was equally intense, with Kayla Foley from Emmanuel College winning on 14/20.
Second place went to Georgia Harris (Monivae College) on 13, with Baimbridge College’s Jorja Rundell in third.
The title of the winning school team was claimed by Hamilton and Alexandra College on an impressive 82/100.
The victorious team comprised Lincoln Brown, Lachlan Pringle, Harry Brown, Braden Veale and Joshua Pringle.
All place-getters from the day will now advance to the state final in Echuca where they will compete against other top shooters from across Victoria.
The event was a resounding success, running smoothly from start to finish.
Organisers extended their thanks to all students who participated and to Petty Smith for her invaluable contribution.
