Echuca Clay Target Club hosts Vic school champs

By Alexander Dabb

Sep 11, 2023

Sharpshooter: Mildura's Max Mannes claimed the overall title at the Victorian Clay Target Association State School Student Championship. Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca Clay Target Club was the venue for the 2023 Victorian Clay Target Association State School Student Championship, with juniors coming from far and wide to compete on Monday, September 4.

Strike a pose: Rhys Daffey, Jake Hardy, Ned Andrew, Ryder Van Someren, Willis Stimson and Jett Rabone ahead of the competition. Photo by Steve Huntley

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Mildura’s Max Mannes and Rebeccas Hayes walked away with the ultimate prizes, as Mannes claimed the overall title after shooting 29 of 30 targets in the single barrel competition, while Hayes took out the girls division after shooting 27 of 30 targets..

Friendly competition: Tom Clark and Ollie Zielezna shake hands on the range. Photo by Steve Huntley

Mannes was in fine touch, carding a perfect opening round of 15 targets hit, before his second-round score of 14 secured the championship.

Aim and fire: Ollie Zielezna, Rebecca Hayes, Zander Hawker and Jack Wilson during last Monday’s shoot. Photo by Steve Huntley

The youngster claimed the trophy by one target ahead of Harrison Glennen, Jack Bateson and Dylan Naylor, who all shot 28.

Thumbs up: Mildura's Rebecca Hayes and Max Mannes. Photo by Steve Huntley

Glennen claimed outright second after hitting four of five targets in a shoot-off, one more than Bateson who rounded out the podium, while Naylor had to settle for fourth on a countback after an opening round of 13.

Eyes on the prize: Competitors at the range last Monday. Photo by Steve Huntley

Local talent Aiden Calleja was also in the mix, securing third place in the junior category after a thrilling finale.

Tied on 26 targets after two rounds, Calleja outpointed both Roy Davis and Zachary Rosetto in a shoot-off to claim the final place on the podium in his very first school competition.