Sport
17 November, 2025
Rusty’s streak ends
TABLELAND shooter Ray Byrnes has put an end to his fellow branch-mate’s winning streak, taking out first place at an FNQ Marksman Shoot by a mere 0.2 points.
The SSAA Ravenshoe and District Branch hosted a successful shoot at their range recently, with a field of 15 shooters contesting the branch’s annual inter-branch shoot.
Members from the Tableland, Cairns, and Innisfail branches all competed for top spot, but it was local gunman Ray Byrnes who took top honours at the event – knocking other Tableland shooter, Rusty Vonarx, off his eight-shoot winning streak by just 0.2 points.
Competition rules were established before the commencement of the shoot using both .22’ rifles and pistols with a highest possible score of 400.40. All scores including guests were considered for the Branch average total, these being:
First place - The lone Cairns Branch shooter recorded an average of 356 points
Second place – Tableland Branch recorded an average of 346 points for their 12 shooters, five being Nashos
Third place – Innisfail Branch recorded an average of 296 points for their two Nasho shooters.
The FNQ Nasho Marksman Trophy was taken out by Tableland Nasho Ray Byrnes, recording the highest total score of 386.5 for the three disciplines shot. In second was Rusty Vonarx (Tableland) 386.3, and third, John Hardy (Tableland) 366.3.
The Friends of Nashos Trophy was won by Brendan MacRae (Tableland) 372.2, for a Non-Nasho recording the highest total score of the disciplines shot. Second was Adam Russo (Cairns) 358.0, and third was Blake O’Dea (Tableland) 352.1.
The “Encouragement Trophy” was awarded to Greg Barry (Innisfail who finished on 237 points), recognising “the devotion they put into their team and the importance of competing for those at the rear of the field”.
