MARYBOROUGH'S clay target shooting champion Nathan Cassells is leading the race to represent Australia at this year's world titles for the universal trench discipline.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cassells achieved a national record-equalling mark of 196 at 200 targets at qualifying rounds in Lilydale and Adelaide.
His previous best score was 192.
The fourth and final round in the national series will be at Lilydale on May 23-24.
It's been a dramatic fightback after the 36-year-old started the series with a score of 185-200 at Sydney.
A multiple national champion at the sport's Olympic discipline, Cassells said the focus was on shooting well in the final round and holding top spot.
After a lengthy break from competition, Cassells became more serious about the sport again in 2014.
"For a long time it was one competition each year and a catch-up with mates."
Away from the range, Cassells is a farmhand near Maryborough.
He has great support from wife Renee and their children, Chloe, 15, and Zianna, 9.
His feats on the rifle range earned the Bendigo Advertiser Sports Star of the Year award in 2001-02.
Cassells is a five-time monthly winner in the Sports Star awards which are now in their 51st year and are proudly supported by Bendigo Bank and Prime 7.
