Shooting club a family affair

A family affair. Back from Left, Jason Edwards, Cooper Steffen (partly obscured), Amelia Steffen (partly obscured), Rebekah Steffen, Luke Steffen. Front left, Mia Edwards, Helen Manteit, Gary Manteit.

Results of the Clifton Benchrest Shooting Club’s recent July shoot shines a spotlight on a sport that is not only inclusive and family friendly but one that is attracting junior competitors.

Benchrest shooting is proving popular among the junior ranks with Cooper Steffen, not only the youngest competitor but the club’s most recent member, picking up a third placing in his maiden competition.

Steffen was third in the Junior Rimfire (553.11) behind his sister Amelia who took family bragging rights with a win in the division scoring 570.14 with Mia Edwards, second with 559.5.

It is certainly a family affair at Laurie Bowe Rifle Range with Mia Edwards’ father Jason scoring 570.17 to finish second in the Men’s Open Rimfire while persistence paid dividends for Cooper and Amelia’s dad Luke Steffen.

He was rewarded with the smallest group in the Centrefire competition, scoring a creditable .248, as well as taking second in the Centrefire he picked up third in Men’s Open Rimfire (563.21).

Gary Manteit once again had a strong competition, doing well in the event -held in perfect winter conditions.

Manteit scored wins in the Men’s Open Rimfire (583.15); Best Cards of the Day in Hunter Class (200.3); RBA (236.9) and Rabbit and Crow (147.3).

The Centrefire competition, open to men and women, once again proving the sport is a family affair with Manteit’s impressive score in this event (.4372) not enough to oust the winner, his wife Helen who scored .3954 or second-placed Luke Steffen (.3992).

Helen shot well in the women’s events scoring a win in the Women’s Open Rimfire match (571.16). Placegetters were Rebekah Steffen (506.2) and Margaret Sullivan ( 502.9).

The club’s next competition is on 21 August. For more information about the competition or the sport in general contact President Helen (0418 791 991) or Secretary Margaret Sullivan (0437 661 700) .