Christine Webster, Murray Pioneer

A 12-year-old Waikerie boy has won the South Australian Fly Shoot Rimfire 200 yard Championship, at the Monarto Shooting Complex.

In extremely windy conditions, Cooper Ward scored 196 points and achieved one fly hit in the recent competition.

His accuracy earned him first place in the junior category and the overall competition, beating his dad Craig, who came second overall, scoring 176 points and winning the senior category.

The event involves using a .22 Rimfire rifle to shoot at a round target for points.

Competitors who hit the fly in the centre of the target achieve bonus points.

Mr Ward said the windy conditions made it a tough event.

“It is really hard shooting in the wind because you are trying to fire that little bullet about 183m away from a gun that was designed for 50-to-100m,” he said.

“That little bullet gets ripped around by the wind anyway, so you are trying to compensate and allow for that.”

Cooper’s brother, Cohen, 10, who only started shooting about five-months ago came second in the junior category and fourth outright, with a score of 137 and one fly hit.

Mr Ward said the Riverland dominated the competition in numbers and results.

Out of the 10 competitors, five were from the Riverland, from Waikerie, and Markaranka, near Taylorville.

Liam Wilson, from Markaranka, came third in the juniors and his dad, Jamie, came second in the seniors and third overall.

The Wards and Wilsons practise their shooting at the SSAA Barmera Pistol and Rifle Club.

Mr Ward said the Riverlanders were the underdog in the competition and surprised themselves.

“A lot of the other competitors were experienced with a lot of years of shooting,” he said.

“I was hoping for something good for us in the competition, but I was not expecting the results that we achieved.

“I was kind of taken aback by how well we did because we don’t have the best equipment like some of the other entrants to practise with.”

Mr Ward said the windy conditions deterred some shooters from taking part, as entries were down compared to last year.

He said rifle shooting was a good sport for youngsters.

“As a sport it is progressing and is something that younger people can excel in, because they have younger and better eyes,” Mr Ward said.

“They have less mental strains and can focus on shooting,” he said.

“There is a 14-year-old boy from Queensland who has just been selected to compete in the World Juniors, for the under 25s.

“When Cooper participates in shooting, he can focus and concentrate on the task.

“I liken it to archery and throwing darts, it requires concentration and technique.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 30 July 2025.