By Callum Ludwig
The Yering District Archers impressed on a national stage at this year’s State National Indoor Championships in Morwell.
On the weekend over 9 and 10 July 16 members, 7 of which had only been with the club for 3-6 months and were going to their first competition, made the journey and shot extremely well.
Treasurer and competitor Rae Hudson said it was a strong showing from the club.
“It was nice to have some new blood coming through, it’s a good competition for the newbies and juniors because it’s the one distance for the whole shoot, s everyone, young or old, male or female, are on the same level regardless even of what bow they shoot,” she said.
“Anyone who is registered at a club in Australia could shoot at the annual competition, and it’s a bit of fun more than anything else while also being an opportunity for professionals to get recognition on a state and national level.”
On the Saturday, each contestant shot 60 arrows to score a possible 600, 2 lots of 10 ends by 3 arrows at a time, at a target face of wither 40cm diameter or what is called 3 shot which is like a set of traffics lights, which competitors shot 1 arrow into each face. This score total gave each member their state ranking.
On Sunday, competitors again shot 60 arrows for a possible 600 score; these scores were added to their state scores to determine their National ranking.
Ms Hudson said for her, archery is a bit of a family affair.
“It all started with my eldest son Jack, who used to do an afterschool program where the archery group at Don Valley would come run it. He said he wouldn’t mind continuing to do it so joined up at the club in Yering,” she said.
Ms Hudson’s younger son Will was next to join, followed by her husband Anthony and finally herself.
“I don’t shoot as regularly as the boys do, but it’s something we can do as a family. It’s an individual sport so it’s all about PB’s (personal best’s) but it can get quite competitive between us all. We do have quite a few families in our group, we are a very family-orientated club.”
Here are the final results for all members of the Yering District Archers and their class:
Under 14 Male Compound:
Axel King, State 7th , National 14th
Under 14 Male Recurve:
Hayden Garlick, State 1st, National 6th
Under 18 Female Compound:
Sophie Southall, State 1st, National 2nd
Under 31 Male Recurve:
Will Hudson, State 4th, National 8th
Andrew Carter, State 5th, National 9th
Open Female Compound:
Sophie Southall, State 1st, National 1st
Open Male Compound:
Kane Ng, State 9th, National 43rd
Jack Hudson, State 15th, National 61st
Open Male Recurve:
Fernando Astrada, State 13th, National 60th
Open Male Barebow Recurve:
Tom Hogarth, State 6th, National 20th
50+ Female Compound:
Rae Hudson, State 3rd, National 8th
50+ Male Compound:
Dariuz Zych, State 2nd, National 13th
Anthony Hudson, State 5th, National 21st
Michael Hoeboer, State 6th, National 24th
Damien Brauman, State 7th, National 27th
50+ Male Longbow:
Mark Southall, State 1st, National 3rd
60+ Male Longbow:
Mark Southall, State 1st, National 4th
Ms Hudson encouraged anyone interested to come to give archery a go.
“We have Come N’ Try session on Saturday mornings from 10am to 11am, All equipment and coaching is supplied, closed toe shoes are required and a cost of $15 per person. We have boys ranging from five to six pounds to up to 60 pounds for experienced archers,” she said.
“We are very proud of our juniors particularly, young 14-year-old Hayden [Garlick] coming first in the state in his first competition and Sophie Southall taking out her age division and the open division, being picked up for the state team and being sponsored now as well.”
Anyone interested in booking a session can do so online via: yda.tidyhq.com. BBQ and refreshments are available if required at a small cost. The club is situated at 13 Macintyre Lane, Yering.
