Thomas family on target at Sporting Clays National Championship
71-year-old Mick Thomas shares more than just a bloodline with his 15-year-old grandson Liam.
Both are talented sportsmen who recently represented WA at the 45th Sporting Clays National Championships in Gunnedah, New South Wales.
WA’s seven-strong state team was bookended by Mick in the senior division and up-and-comer Liam who finished second in the junior division. Mick also takes on the role of Liam’s mentor and coach.
Qualification for the Western Australian team came from a two-day State Championship held at Hastings Sporting Clays Club. All seven members of our state team hailed from regional areas including clubs in Moora, Hastings, Geraldton and Harvey.
Sporting Clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting that resembles the unpredictability of real-life hunting situations, with clay targets of various sizes thrown from trap machines at different angles, trajectories, elevations, speeds and distances. A course generally consists of 10 to 15 unique stations laid out over natural terrain.
In 2022-23 Sporting Clays WA received $10,000 through the DLGSC’s Industry Investment Program which supports the delivery of quality sporting and active recreation opportunities for all Western Australians.
For more information on Sporting Clays or to find your nearest club, visit their website.