Sasso, Aliana McMaster the big winners at Rangers Sporting Clays Classic

Christian Sasso and Aliana McMaster toppled defending champions Craig Simpson and Wendy McMaster to take the top spots at the Rangers Gun Club Sporting Clays Classic at the Tru-Juice complex in Bog Walk, St Catherine, recently.

Sasso won the men’s crown in a tense shoot-off with Chad Ziadie by just one bird. Both men shot 91 at the end of the regulation 100-bird shoot.

It was Sasso’s first Rangers Gun Club title and as a long-time member he was pleased to carry the banner for his club. “It feels good to be honest. To bring home a win for the gun club makes me feel proud. It wasn’t an easy win. I had a 91, the same as Chad Ziadie. We had a shoot-off and I came out victorious by one bird. It was close. The competition was very close. The course was pretty tough but we managed,” Sasso said.

Aliana McMaster who dominates the ladies section of the sport posted her third victory at the Rangers Gun Club shoot from four attempts. She was laser-focused on the day while winning her section by 12 birds ahead of Lori-Ann Haris who shot 74 behind McMaster’s 86. Defending champion Wendy McMaster shot 70 to place third in the class.

“I came out here to just have fun, enjoy the shoot and spend time with my family and honestly it’s just such a blessing that I am able to regain the title of Ladies champion,” said Aliana McMaster.

The top shooter 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 while the conditions were hot, very hot, humid, windy and cloudy at times. 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 Food For The Poor.

The lead sponsor was Sterling Asset Management while Worthy Park Select was gold sponsor with support from several ‘station’ sponsors.