With 2025 behind them, 11 competitors braved smoky skies to take part in the first NRL22 match of 2026 at the SSAA East Gippsland – Buchan Rifle Range.
Despite a slightly apocalyptic forecast, mother nature cooperated, clearing the skies just in time and revealing fresh targets ready for action. Competitors tackled option two, featuring shorter
PAR times to increase the challenge, while the new Shooters Global Timer performed smoothly, much to members’ delight.
Shannon Hederman set the tone for the year, taking victory over Matt Cunningham and Matt Hederman, who couldn’t match the consistency of his mother. Cunningham, who finished fifth nationally on the 2025 Australian NRL22 leaderboard with a perfect 600-point score, showed he remains a serious contender, but the day clearly belonged to Shannon.
New shooter Zack Wright impressed with his enthusiasm and skill, making a strong debut. Between march flies, challenging conditions, and the fast pace of the match, it was an exhausting but exhilarating start
to the season.
Shooters are already
looking forward to the February contest, eager to build on the excitement of this
opening round.
