Christian Sasso and Aliana McMaster toppled defending champions Craig Simpson and Wendy McMaster to finish tops at the Rangers Gun Club Sporting Clays Classic at the True Juice complex in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, recently.
Sasso won by one shot after a tense shoot-off with Chad Ziadie. Both men shot 91 at the end of the regulation 100-bird shoot, hence the need for the shoot-off to determine the eventual winner.
Though he has been a stalwart of the sport, it was Sasso’s first Rangers Gun Club shoot title, and he was pleased to carry the club’s banner.
“It feels good to be honest; I am very proud to bring home a win for the gun club. It wasn’t an easy win. The competition was very close. The course was pretty tough, but we managed,” Sasso said.
Aliana McMaster, who has been a dominant force in the Ladies section, copped her third Rangers Gun Club shoot crown in four outings. She was laser focused on the day, as she won by 12 shots ahead of Lori-Ann Haris, who shot 74. Dethroned champion Wendy McMaster shot 70 for third in the class.
“I came out here to just have fun and enjoy the basic factor of shooting and spending time with my family, and honestly, it’s just such a blessing that I am able to regain the title of ladies champion,” the rising McMaster sensation noted.
The top shooters in the various classes were: A Class: Ray McMaster 90; B Class: Zachary Harris 77; C Class: Justin Samuda 81; D Class: Phillip Burgess 83; E Class: Tariq Nembhard 76; Hunters or Beginners: Zane Byron 73; Ladies: Aliana McMaster 86; and Juniors: JJ Ralston 87.
The shooters battled a very big 17-station driving course in humid conditions as they faced targets of varying types, including true pairs (birds launched at the same time), rabbits (birds released on the ground), birds in the air released at different speeds and directions, as well as some targets released over gentle flowing streams on the flush green course.
Part proceeds from the event went to the Food for the Poor organization.
The lead sponsor was Sterling Asset Management, while Worthy Park Select was the gold sponsor, with support from several'station' sponsors.