Clay Target update

By Jacqueline Irving | Posted: Friday May 19, 2023

The Clay Target Secondary School Intercollegiate Competition commenced for the season at Oreti Beach near Invercargill on Sunday morning.

It was an early 5.30 departure from School House for the journey down. Some students and their families meet us there, having gone home after Saturday sports.

Students who shot at this first Intercollegiate Competition were:

Shamus Young, Johnathon King, Jackson Stevens, Dustin Young, Hunter Burgess, Charlie Scurr and Charlie Hore.

Our Intercollegiate squad is younger in 2023 with a mix of Year 10, 11, and 12 students. We look forward to some of our newer shooters joining us for the Otago Intercollegiate in June.
Six weeks of pre-season Skeet training in term one was undertaken by Shamus Young, Dustin Young, Johnathon King, and Jackson Stevens. Time spent being coached by Mr. Bill McKinley at The Dunedin Club on a Wednesday reaped rewards, especially for Johnathon and Jackson.

Weather conditions were initially trying with heavy rain. We were fortunate to have shelter courtesy of a Gazebo from Placemakers Wanaka and warm food cooked and heated by Greg King on the BBQ. Zita Young coordinated the food provided by parents who were as generous as always. Placemakers Wanaka provided an additional layer of clothing to wear over their smart Merino tops to keep warm between shoots. Horizontal rain and 4oC was not much fun at 9 am. With attendance down overall at this shoot we had finished shooting by 3 pm.

Our Clay Target Shooters were well supported by parents present and past in attendance to support them. Some shooting scores were contested but our boys showed resilience and perseverance in line with our school values. We all appreciated Mr. Bill McKinley travelling with us and being that quiet motivating voice for our boys. We are thrilled with the results despite not all outcomes ruling in our favour. Our students displayed good sportsmanship and team spirit. We look forward to our next Intercollegiate competition in Dunedin. Certificates have been presented to our successful shooters in assemblies this week.

Results:

OBHS won the Overall Team Skeet with Johnathon King and Jackson Stevens.
First Senior Skeet - Johnathon King
Second Senior Skeet - Jackson Stevens
Third Junior Single Barrel - George Hore