Summer arrived a little early at Hermidale with the mercury reaching 43 degrees. 

Shooters hydrated themselves, put on the slip, slop, slap and lined up for the first event - 30 Mixed targets, graded cash divide. 

Fifteen shooters shared the cash prize.

The second event on the program was the 30 target West Bogan Double Barrel Championship. Jason Owen (Warren) was the eventual overall winner with a score of 118/118 after a shoot-off that began with five shooters. 

Max Betts (Brewarrina) won AA Grade 117/118, R Thompson (Cobar) 2nd 95/96, Wal Rae (Narromine) took out the A Grade 117/118, R Thompson (Cobar) 2nd, 95/96, Wal Rae (Narromine) took out the A Grade with a perfect score from G Jones (Cobar) 29/30. 

W Dewhurst (Hermidale) won B Grade 42/43, second J Barraclough (Cobar) 30/31, J Loughnan (Brewarrina) won C Grade 28/30 with D Ferguson (Warren) 2nd 32/36.

Next event was the 20 Pair Double Rise. 

N Owen (Warren) took out AA Grade 39/40, from Ross Morris (Cobar) 37/40. James Elias (Hermidale) after a shoot-off took out A Grade from Dick Tulloh (Cobar) 39/44. 

Rod Dewhurst (Hermidale) took out B Grade 34/40 from J Barraclough (Cobar) 33/40. Ben Tranter (Cobar) took out C Grade 32/40 from Doug Ferguson (Warren) 31/40.

Before the sun set and the beautiful evening meal was served, shooters enjoyed a drink, nibbles and a yarn with friends. 

At dark it was time to turn the lights on for the Western Zone Night Deauville Doubles. Thirty-six shooters partnered up to compete for the prestigious trophies kindly donated by Powells Bus Service. 

Only one pair shot the possible – first place and congratulations to Gary Jones and Tom Dickson (Cobar) 29/30. Sash’s donated by the Western Zone CTA.

Day two arrived with much the same conditions as the previous day. It was going to be hot again. Shooters awoke to the smell of bacon, eggs, sausages and coffee to start the day. 

Thanks to the breakfast cooks and helpers for your early start.

Event five got underway at 9am sharp with a 30 target 15 metre point score. 

After a lengthy exciting shoot-off in AA grade, Robby Thompson (Cobar) emerged in first place 147/147, with second place going to Steve Walker (Hermidale) 144/147. 

James Elias (Hermidale) took out A Grade 135/135 with Garry Jones (Cobar) 2nd 134/135. Ian Light (Brewarrina) took out B Grade 84/90 with Steph Mills (Cunnamulla) taking home 2nd 81/90. Matt Elias (Hermidale) won C Grade 84/90 with Douglas Ferguson (Warren) 83/90 second.

Event six was next after a lovely afternoon tea. 30 Target double Barrel Handicap then got underway. 

After a five target shoot-off the results came in - 1st Tom Dickson (Cobar) 35/35, 2nd Anthony Coleman (Cunnamulla) 34/35, 3rd Geoff Fennamore (Hermidale) 35/36, 4th Hank Pritchard (Cobar) 34/36, 5th Peter Boland (Hermidale) 33/35.

Another beautiful cold meat and salad luncheon was served during the last event on the program - 30 Target single Barrel 15 metres. 

Only one possible was achieved. First in AA Grade Jason Owen (Warren) 30/30, 2nd Tom Dickson (Cobar) 29/30, 1st A Grade N Cooper (Brewarrina) 28/30, James Elias (Hermidale), 2nd 34/38 W Dewhurst (Hermidale) B Grade 27/30, 2nd I Light (Brewarrina) 26/30, Tony Elias (Hermidale) 1st C Grade 37/44, Christie Wheeler (Cobar) C Grade 2nd 36/44.

The Overall High Gun winners for the weekend competition were as follows:

Overall High Gun: Robby Thompson (Cobar) 261/270, AA Grade Tom Dickson (Cobar) 260/270, A Grade James Elias (Hermidale) 248/270. 

B Grade Ian Light (Brewarrina) 238/270, C Grade Douglas Ferguson (Warren) 233/270,Ladies Steph Mills (Cunnamulla) 229/270, Veteran Ross Morris (Cobar) 253/270, Junior Tyler Marett (Brewarrina) 212/270.

Before the presentation, President Button thanked all shooters and visitors for travelling and making the 35th anniversary shoot a success. 

A big thank you was extended to the ladies in the kitchen for the beautiful meals, the breakfast cooks, the bar staff, the committee and members and to Di for a wonderful job in purchasing the trophies, well done. 

A big thankyou was also extended to all the sponsors and donors of sashes for their generous contributions. A safe trip home was extended to all.

Sponsors and donors for the weekend:

Powell’s Bus Service, Western Zone CTA, Abalos Flats, Elmsley Partership, Neill Earthmoving, T Hudson, Hermidale Outback Lodge, F and J Neill, Jazz-Em-Up Salon, Nyngan Rural Agencies, G and N Kilmartin, B and D Powell, Adams Transport and Landscape Supplies, Tritton Mines, Khans IGA, N Owen, Nyngan Toyota and 2WEB Bourke.

N Kilmartin

Hermidale Gun Club  

Photos from the event

can be found on page 5