SSAA Hay’s Inaugural 100 Target 5-Stand event
21 September 2008

Finley shooter, Rod Wharton takes aim.


The 2nd 5-Stand layout on the SSAA Hay
Rifle Range.


Winner of High Gun - Doug Osbourne.


John Simpson Memorial winner Russell Chaplin.


Competitors waiting near the SSAA Shotgun Trailer.

The SSAA Hay Branch recently held its Inaugural 100 Target 5-Stand event at its range on Sidonia Road in New South Wales. This event is designed to simulate field shooting with a variety of different sized targets, angles and speed. One novel target rarely seen anywhere before was the monster crossing overhead target thrown from the top of an excavator at full stretch.

The event was attended by 45 shooters from the nearby areas of Griffith, Deniliquin, Tocumwal and Hay. It was great to see a mix of experienced clay target shooters and non-competition shooters.

It was with great sadness that the event was held without founding member, John Simpson (deceased), who surely would have enjoyed the day and no doubt told some tall stories that he was so well known for. As a sign of respect for ‘Simmo’, one round was dedicated the ‘John Simpson Memorial Round’ and was won by Russell Chaplin of Deniliquin. Shooters also gathered together to give Simmo a 25-gun salute as his final send-off. We would like to thank Lachie Simpson, Simmo’s son, for his presence on the day.

SSAA Hay would like to thank Jacka Excavation & Truck Hire, Hay Betta Electrical, Hay Motors, Doyles Lighting & Electrical and Casella Wines of Griffith for their sponsorship, valuable donations and contributions towards the day.

A big thank you also goes to Greg Allan, the manager of the SSAA Sporting Clays trailer based in Griffith, and Kerry Bryant of MIA Direction Drilling for their personal time and commitment to the weekend. We had great support from the members of the Griffith Club, the Hay members who assisted with setting up and packing up the range on the day, and Torren and Hayley from Griffith who ensured the office ran smoothly.

All competitors had a great time and the main organisers, Peter and Jan Jacka and Darren Macartney, have fielded many requests for the next event.