Top honour for Bega woman

BEGA woman Lynne Teale is not a crack shot, but this small technicality did not stop her from gaining one of the highest honours in clay target shooting.After a 30-year involvement with the sport, Teale was awarded life membership of the NSW Clay Target Association in Wagga at the weekend.A dedicated "back room" worker for clay target shooting in the state, Teale's involvement goes much deeper than firing off rounds at Bega Gun Club.In fact, Teale rarely shoots more than four times a year and she freely admits her accuracy is not up to championship standard"I just haven't got great hand-eye co-ordination," Teale laughed yesterday. "I realised that fairly early on." Despite the obvious drawback, Teale retained her enthusiasm and did not walk away from clay target shooting.Three decades later her contribution to the sport has been recognised and rewarded with life membership of the state body.And little wonder following a remarkable association that started in 1978 and has included helping to get Bega Gun Club up and running.Along the way she has also held such coveted positions as state president and publicity officer for six years and vice president for two years.During her term as president (2000-2006) Teale increased corporate sponsorship of the sport and participation of junior shooters, generated positive media coverage and helped develop a strategic plan for the future of clay target shooting in NSW. Even now she attends more major events than some of Australia's best shooters, but usually does not lift a gun."I really enjoy what I'm doing," she said at the National Shooting Ground in Wagga yesterday. "I was definitely cut out for the adminstrative side of things."It's a great sport and it's wonderful to be a part of it."