A second-placegetter in the world last year, Birgan was the overall winner on both days at Gunnedah as he recorded scores of 95 and 98 out of 100.

Andrew Garvie of Singleton also had superb results as he scored 92 out of 100 on Saturday and 98 out of 108 the following day, and was on target for 75 successive shots on his way to winning the AA grade division.

Helen Overton was a standout achiever among the locals as she won the ladies division on both days with scores of 81 and 88 out of 100.

As usual there was a mix of local and visiting shooters to the annual event, with between 270 and 280 in attendance on each day while some of them camped at the venue.

Conditions were fine and sunny on both days, although wind at times made it a little challenging for the shooters.

With this year’s event being the 50th anniversary of the Gum Tree Shoot, it was decided to “do things in fives”, such as have top-five placings and for the top-five to share the prizes.

AA, A, B, C, ladies, sub-junior, junior, vets and super-vets divisions were held as competitors ranged from 12 to 80 years.

Apart from the shooting there was plenty of food and drink to keep people well-fed as there were steak, sausage, and egg and bacon sandwiches as well as cakes, scones, beer and soft drinks.

One of the competition organisers, Scott Kelly, said the event was hugely successful in numerous ways.

Kelly said the numbers were strong while it was great that many of the competitors travelled from long distances around Australia to be in Gunnedah.

Kelly noted that there was “a great atmosphere; everyone loved it”, and that another highlight was having a number of state, national and international champion shooters involved.

“It’s a good testament to have that quality of shooters want to come here,” Kelly said.

“Obviously having Damien Birgan here is a big honour for us.

“He thoroughly enjoyed it, and he’s coming back.”

Kelly admired Garvie’s achievement of hitting the target 75 successive times, saying he couldn’t think of anyone having had 75 consecutive shots without missing.

Kelly also said it was great to see a local shooter, Overton, do so well.

WINNERS:

Overall: Damien Birgan 193/201;

AA grade: Andrew Garvie 187/201;

A grade: Sam Koudsy 163/201;

B grade: Ben Hooper 148/201;

C grade: Lee Sherlock 121/201;

Ladies: Helen Overton 169/201;

Sub-juniors: Jack Roth 163/201;

Juniors: Mathew Wilesmith 169/201;

Vets: Ross Christian 180/201;

Super-Vets: Kevin Heywood 135/201.