NSW 5-Stand State Titles
20-21 August 2011

The new shooting complex at the SSAA Hay branch was the venue for the 2011 SSAA NSW 5-Stand State Titles, held on August 20 and 21. Three 5-Stand layouts were set up using the two SSAA shotgun trailers and local equipment. Each day, the 40 competitors from around New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria were challenged by a round of 5-Stand on each of the layouts. With the targets on each layout being set by different range setters, there was an excellent variety of quite different targets to challenge the shooting skills of everyone. With many of the traps set up in bushland and randomly released by computer controllers, there were some excellent simulated field targets presented to competitors.

The shoot was well organised and run by members of the Hay branch, who had generous support from their local community with the event. A highlight of the weekend was a delicious dinner for everyone on Saturday evening, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at the range.

All prize winners benefited from major sponsors Casella Wines, Griffith and ELEY Cartridges and SSAA NSW, while many other prizes were donated by local businesses. Special thanks are extended to all the members of the SSAA Hay branch for staging such a successful shoot. Thank you to trailer managers Greg Allen and Andrew Webb and assistants Frank Tagliapietra and Darren Macartney with; to Jan Jacka and Michelle, who kept the office administration running smoothly; and to everyone who provided such delicious catering for those in attendance.

During the 150-target event, Bart Brighenti (Griffith) and Darren Macartney (Hay) each shot a perfect round of 25 targets, winning special 25 Break Badges and a place on the Hay Branch Honour Board. Jayden Roe, a young junior shooter from Hay, also shot extremely well throughout the competition with a superb score of 125 targets. The NSW 5-Stand State Champion and High Gun winner was Grant Powell, with an outstanding score of 130/150. Other winners were:

AA Grade: Greg Allen (Griffith) 127, Shaun Krzus (Griffith) 118, Danny Ryan (Bendigo) 117

A Grade: Frank Tagliapietra (Griffith)128, Leo McIntyre (Leeton) 123, Leigh Woolley (Bendigo) 114

B Grade: Flavio Zanotto (Griffith) 102, Roy Sullivan (Hay) 100, Bryan Slina (Melton) 99

C Grade: David Abeni (Sydney) 105, Neil Whelan (Deniliquin) 100, Blake Headon (Hay) 43

Ladies: Jan Jacka (Hay) 79, Margaret Salvestro (Griffith) 50, Di Melham (Sydney) 13

Veterans: Sid Gugliemino (Griffith) 118, Warren Brown (Griffith) 111, Alec Ceccato (Griffith) 106

Juniors: Jayden Roe (Hay) 125

At the conclusion of Saturday’s competition, the SSAA NSW State Shotgun Meeting was held. Warren Brown and Darren Macartney were re-elected to their positions and the 2012 shooting program was planned.

The 2011 SSAA NSW State Shotgun Team was also announced. Team selection was decided upon selection points gained at three of the five State Selection Shoots held earlier in the year and at the State Titles. Congratulations to the following team members: Frank Tagliapietra, Greg Allen, Jayden Roe, Shaun Krzus and Darren Macartney.

by Shotgun National Discipline Chairman Warren Brown