SSAA NSW

12 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Junior Feature My name is Aliza Purvis and I am a proud shooter. I am 13 years old and I have been shooting for about 18 months. I compete in a variety of disciplines including Sporting Clays, DTL and SSAA Small Bore .22 Rimfire. I really enjoy the sport of shooting because I get to spend time in the outdoors and get to spend time with my family, as my mum, dad and grandad all compete as well. I have just come off my first win. On Saturday 9 June 2018, I competed at the Dubbo Field and Game monthly shoot, sponsored by Peter Kay Gunsmith and Guns and Game Magazine. There were many amazing prizes on offer, but the most iconic was a brand new Miroku MK70 12gauge Shotgun. This amazing prize was on offer by a drawn score basis, where a random score was selected. The score, 29, was my score. I was in my first shoot off against two other shooters, Alison and Alister. As we walked to the shoot off, my nerves were rising. We had to shoot a round of 25. As we started the shoot off, we all shot well, and after the final stand the results were revealed - Alison 7/25, Alister 10/25 and Aliza 10/25. Oh no, it was a tie!! So, the decision was made that we would shoot another round of 25. I prepared myself for round two, and as we started to shoot again, I was happy with my performance because, win or lose, I had done my best. As Alister fired his last shot and stepped out of the cage, we shook hands, and I waited patiently everyone was silent. Then the results were read: "Alister 5 and Aliza 10". Oh my god, I had won. I again shook hands with Alister and Alison. I began to jump up and down with excitement, as many of my fellow shooters started to congratulate me, and a few tears were shed by my family, friends and myself. As we all walked back to the clubhouse, all I could feel were the emotions of happiness, joy and relief. By Aliza Purvis

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