Miles goes back-to-back in Merv Neve Memorial event

Eastern Goldfields Clay Target Club stalwart Marty Miles carded an impressive 26 out of 27 score to last weekend complete back-to-back victories in the annual Merv Neve Memorial.

In the club’s final shoot of the year, Miles warded off the challenges of Mick Howley (24/27) and Royce Normington (23/27) to claim victory.

The inaugural Merv Neve Memorial took place in 2021 — two years after his death.

The Neve family is synonymous with Goldfields clay target shooting, with life membership bestowed on Merv in 1990.

His wife Hazel was honoured with the same accolade three years later, and in 2005 son Jim earned life membership.

On the eve of the inaugural event, Miles had lauded Neve’s contribution to the local club over many years.

““Back in his day, Merv was one of the best shooters in WA,” Miles said.

“They travelled a lot (for competitions), he won a lot of titles and was one of the instigators for the move from where we were (off Hannan Street where the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder offices now stand) to where we are now.

“Originally, we were situated at Shotover Place, near JPC — hence the name Shotover Place.

“In those days, Merv used to sling a shotgun over his shoulder and go to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Fair to try his luck in that competition.”

Also last weekend, Howley and Normington tied for first place in the 25 double-barrel event with scores of 24, and Mark Lamont carded 21/25 to lead the B/C-grade field.

Murray Kamo scored a perfect 25/25 to win the skeet event from Matt Priest (24) and Matt Iwankiw (23).

Howley was the overall winner for the day with 69/77, from Kamo and Iwankiw, both on 68.

A week earlier, the 75 sporting clays Rabbit Cup went to Kamo (62/75) from Priest (61), Howley (57) and Miles (56).