Shooting conditions were pleasant for competition and this was shown in the attendance, showing a total of 16 lines to be shot.

Of these lines only five men managed to reach the final. These were Sam Haugh, Aaron Smyth, Wesley Park, Geoff Dale and Trevor McGibbon.

The shoot off was tense but it was super-shot Aaron Smyth who carried off the prize money shooting another straight.

Final results were as follows: 1st, Aaron Smyth; 2nd, Sam Haugh; 3rd, Geoff Dale.

Shooting next week at Rathfriland takes yet another twist. A shooting bonanza begins Thursday July 3, commencing at 5.30pm as usual.

However an extra charity shoot will take place on Friday July 4, commencing from 4pm onwards with plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Then in the third instalment of a shooting weekend Captain's Day takes place at Rathfriland on Saturday July 5 with shooting starting early.

This weekend gives shooters plenty of opportunity to get the practice in before the upcoming internationals and all shooters will be made welcome.

Meanwhile, on the international scene, the final placing for the Northern Ireland shooting team has been officially completed with various local shooters making the grade.

Father and son pair of Aaron and Dean Smyth have shot their way into the senior and junior teams respectively. Also team regular Enoch McCauley has once again managed to make the grade.

Congratulations also go to Annalong man Sam Haugh, making his team debut this year after some fantastic shooting. Also, from Newry, junior shooter Stephen Hempkin was another local competitor to make the various Northern Ireland teams.

Another local man involved in the set-up is Hugh Ervine who has been appointed team manager for the second year running, proving recently he can keep up with the team; shooting a remarkable 100/299 to take first place at the recent compulsory shoot.

Surely the talent available throughout the province is enough to see some silverware return home and everyone at Rathfriland Clay Pigeon Club wishes the team all the very best.