The new year starting with more than one bang as a talented group of shooters gathered at Hawke’s Bay Clay Target club for the Pirtek Universal Trench New Year 400. Being the first UTNZ competition of the year, people brought their A-game, determined to dominate all three disciplines available: Universal Trench, Compak and Trap One. Under the watchful eye of the harsh Hawke’s Bay sun, the competitors did not disappoint with more than a few impressive scores being produced on both days.  

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As always, these weekends are not possible without the generous sponsorship of both our series and event sponsors. As event sponsor Pirtek did not disappoint, providing one an incredibly impressive array of prizes including collapsible beach barbecues, a 70L chilli bin, and much more. A generous thank you must be given to the series sponsors; Kilwell, Laporte and Target products, for their continual support of these events. Kilwell generously provided thousands of dollars of vouchers as prizes, while target products provided an equally generous amount of ammunition for Universal Trench winners. And of course, Laporte sponsored the clays that were shot, or shot at in some cases. These sponsors are an essential part of running these competitions and UTNZ is very grateful for the generous support. 

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A thank you must also be given to Hawke’s Bay clay target club for hosting UTNZ for the weekend. We are extremely grateful for the continued, consistent cooperation and generosity of the club.

 

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Trap1 100

Quickly becoming a regular event at the UTNZ shoots, Trap One again provided a challenge for the competitors. The scores reflected the skill on display as a meagre three targets separated the top three scores. Myles Browne-Cole was able to take out the top prize as he dropped only two targets over the weekend at 98/100. Just behind him was John Hillock on 97/100 and Su Arn Kwek on 96/100, in second and third respectively. 

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The handicap competition did not disappoint as Vaughn Snowling and Logan Clarke battled it out for more than 50 targets in the shoot off to determine the winner. In the end Vaughn was successful and took first place. Logan secured second with Georgia Niblett also having an impressive shoot off to secure third.

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Off the Gun:

• Myles Browne-Cole - 98

• John Hillock - 97

• Su Arn Kwek - 96

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Handicap :

• Vaughn Snowling - 12 targets in + 93 Off Gun = 105 + 57 s/off

• Logan Clarke - 12 targets in + 95 Off Gun = 107 + 54 s/off

• Georgia Niblett - 20 targets in + 89 Off Gun = 109 + 41 s/off

• John Hillock - 4 targets in + 97 Off Gun = 101 + 2 s/off

• Su Arn Kwek - 4 targets in + 96 Off Gun = 100 + 0 s/off

• Alistair Burr - 16 targets in + 83 Off Gun = 99 + 1 s/off

• Shane Ashforth - 4 targets in + 95 Off Gun = 99 + retired

• Myles Browne-Cole - 0 targets in + 98 Off Gun = 98 + 1 s/off

• Daniel Niblett - 12 targets in + 86 Off Gun = 98 + retired

• Brian Smith - 8 targets in + 90 Off Gun = 98 + retired

(See the Handicap rules for Trap1 here)

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Compak 150

The Compak field was a masterful display of target setting, with six unique fields all set up by James Mabin and Daniel Feutz. The scores were equally impressive, but Adam Green managed to keep a firm hold on the lead throughout the weekend finishing on 141/150. Daniel Feutz finished with a sharp 138/150, and Jeff Niblett took home third on a 133/150. 

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The handicap section of the compak saw a shoot off for first as Myles Borwne-Cole challenged off-the-gun winner Adam Green (both on 142 with targets in). Despite being the favourite, Adam missed his first pair to give the edge needed to Myles to take the win. Daniel Feutz claimed another podium finish in third place, this would not be his last of the weekend however (140 with targets in).

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Off the Gun:

• Adam Green - 141

• Daniel Feutz - 138

• Jeff Niblett - 133

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Handicap:

• Myles Browne-Cole - 12 targets in + 130 Off Gun = 142 + 5 s/off

• Adam Green - 1 targets in + 141 Off Gun = 142 + 3 s/off

• Daniel Feutz - 2 targets in + 138 Off Gun = 140

• Jeff Niblett - 6 targets in + 133 Off Gun = 139

• Logan Clarke - 12 targets in + 125 Off Gun = 137

• Don Bauckham - 12 targets in + 123 Off Gun = 135 + 5 s/off

• Aidan Gent - 24 targets in + 111 Off Gun = 135 + 3 s/off

• Max Edwards - 3 targets in + 131 Off Gun = 134 + 5 s/off

• Jack Whale - 12 targets in + 122 Off Gun = 134 + 3 s/off

• Shane Ashforth - 6 targets in + 127 Off Gun = 133

(See the Handicap rules for Compak here)

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Universal Trench 150

The pressure of the main event seemed to get to the competitors with only three perfect scores of 25/25 being recorded. This did not stop the scores from showing impressive consistency with Daniel Feutz and Myles Browne-Cole dropping only 8 targets out of 150. The shoot off for the title did not disappoint with Daniel missing two targets early on, under the pressure of his second title of the weekend Myles did not manage to maintain his lead, dropping three targets late on to give the win to Daniel. Only a few targets behind Natalie Rooney took home third place on 138/150. 

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Some new names were on display in the handicap section for UT handicap competition with no shoot offs needed for the top three positions. Cameron Price claimed gold with 153, with targets in added. Just behind him was William Luxton on 149 and Jack Whale on 147. The handicapping system is designed to allow everyone to have a shot at the podium despite their shooting grade. This is explained further under the handicapping & rules tab at universaltrench.co.nz.

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Off the Gun:

• Daniel Feutz - 142 + 23 s/off

• Myles Browne-Cole - 142 + 22 s/off

• Natalie Anderson - 138

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Handicap:

• Cameron Price (C2 grade) - 30 targets in + 123 Off Gun = 153

• William Luxton (B2 grade) - 18 targets in + 131 Off Gun = 149

• Jack Whale (C1 grade) - 24 targets in + 123 Off Gun = 147

• Su Arn Kwek (B1 grade) - 12 targets in + 134 Off Gun = 146

• David Donald (B2 grade) - 18 targets in + 127 Off Gun = 145 + 1 s/off

• Aidan Gent (B2 grade) - 18 targets in + 127 Off Gun = 145 + 0 s/off

• Myles Browne-Cole (AA2 grade) - 2 targets in + 142 Off Gun = 144 + 13 s/off

• Daniel Feutz (AA2 grade) - 2 targets in + 142 Off Gun = 144 + 9 s/off

• Brian Smith (B2 grade) - 18 targets in + 126 Off Gun = 144  + 5 s/off

• Rob Edwards (C1 grade) - 24 targets in + 119 Off Gun = 143

(See the Handicap rules for UT here)

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FITASC Categories:

• Junior - Angus Niblett - 133

• Lady - Natalie Anderson - 138

• Senior - David Donald - 127

• Veteran - William Luxton - 131

• Master - Jack Whale - 123

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Stuart Mackie Memorial Cup | UT + Compak High Gun

Daniel Feutz took out the Stuart Mackie Memorial Cup, which awards the best allround shotgun shooter from the weekend, with a great display of shooting across both the Universal Trench and Compak disciplines resulting in a solid 280/300 (Compak 138 + Universal Trench 142). Runner up Myles Browne-Cole 272/300. Second runner up was James Mackie on 269/300.

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