Shooting stars rising to top

Sun, May 08 2011

The 2011 Arafura Games Clay Target shooting competition opened with a big day for Northern Territory shooters, who won two gold medals, one silver and one bronze on their home ground at the Darwin Clay Target shooting range.

Darwinite Dave Howe took out the coveted gold medal in the male 50 target double barrel down the line Australian trap, and Anna Evgeniou won the female competition.

“It’s a great present for Mother’s Day,” the mother-of-two said. “And it’s a great feeling to win gold at home for the Northern Territory.”

The 31-year-old shooter said after taking out gold in the first clay target competition she rang her partner, who had not been able to watch the event.

“He was stoked – the gold medal made it worth for him staying at home for the kids on Mother’s Day,” she said laughing.

Gold medallist Dave Howe said he was “wrapped” about his win.

“I was meant to be managing the office, but escaped from my job for a bit of shooting – the competition was my sanity saver,” he said.

“I wasn’t really prepared for a gold medal though – I am absolutely wrapped.”

“It’s the first time for me to compete in the Arafura Games and the 50 target was the only event I competed in. At my age it takes me a while to get excited about things, but winning here today was pretty spectacular.”

The ISSF 75 Pair Double Trap competition will be held tomorrow, Monday, from 9am to 12 noon.

More information and images contact the Arafura Games Media Centre on 8982 2333