SSAA NSW

with their angles and speed made more difficult. After some high scores were recorded on the fist day the degree of difficulty was increased even more for the final day. Combined with deteriorating weather the scores of many competitors dropped leaving the field open to those that could better handle the harder targets and the weather. Mark Vassey demonstrated why he has been world champion by conquering the conditions and winning this championship with a superb score of 193/200. The best of the Aussie scores were Grant Barton (175), Shaun Krzus (173) Darren Macartney (161) and Greg Allen (160) while Warren Brown collected a 3rd place in the Super Veterans category. The highlight of the Championships was in the Trans Tasman Trophy shoot offs between teams from Australia and NZ. Shooting for the McGowen Trans Tasman Trophy the Australian Open Team won the shoot off by one target with a brilliant score of 120/125. Scoring when it really counted Shaun Krzus and Darren Macartney both shot possibles of 25, Grant Barton a 24 and Jamie Cirrillo and Matt Webster 23s. In the shoot off for the SSAA Graded Team Shield the Aussie team was outshot by a superior NZ team who won by 13 targets. Everyone enjoyed a great three days of shooting and the friendly rivalry and comaraderie that exists in these Trans Tasman competitions. Fresh off capturing the North Island Championships, the NSW Shooter caught up with Grant Barton to discuss his success. NSW Shooter – When did you get interested in shooting as a sport? GB – My father, who was a life-long shooter and competitor introduced me at a young age to the sport and was my coach and mentor for many years. NSW Shooter – When did you start shooting competitively? GB – I've been shooting competitively on and off since I was 12 years old but only took up 5-stand last year. I was consistent enough to make the Australian team. NSW Shooter – What do you enjoy most about 5-stand? GB – The level of competition you find everywhere along with the precision and focus that is required. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Introducing Grant Barton NSW Shooter – Can you tell us about winning the North Island Championship? GB – Winning the North Island Championship is my biggest sporting achievement to date. Knowing that I can beat the best, including competitors of the calibre of former British Champion Mark Vassey, has given me great satisfaction and confidence. NSW Shooter – The Australian team also picked up the Trans Tasman Trophy. What differences do you find shooting as a member of a team, compared to shooting as an individual? GB – Whenever you are in a team situation, you don't want to let your teammates down, so you lift just a little bit more. NSW Shooter – Congratulations Grant, we look forward to hearing more from you about your achievements. 11

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