Duo right on target

STRAIGHT SHOOTERS: Maureen and Rob McMillan have many strings to their bows.PHOTO/SUPPLIED 090915WCSUPMCMILLAN

ROB and Maureen McMillan are a deadly duo rapidly shooting their way into the national record books.

Rob McMillan claimed his 24th and 25th national titles at the New Zealand Indoor Archery Championships in Porirua, while wife Maureen was runner-up in the aggregate division on Saturday, with an injured shoulder impeding her aim.

"Maureen has only been in the sport for three years and this was her third nationals. She has won two national titles, but this year she was carrying a badly injured shoulder after falling over in the woodshed at home," McMillan said.

"The doctor injected her with cortisone and then the physio strapped her heavily on the first day. Maureen only competed in the aggregate division for total points on the Saturday and came second.

"She couldn't shoot in the matchplay on the second day. The matchplay is a separate title."

McMillan, however, was being a tad modest talking up his wife's achievements after claiming the aggregate and matchplay titles at the weekend.

McMillan has been competing at all levels of archery for 49 years and has 25 national titles to his credit.

But, perhaps even more impressive, are the 99 district titles he holds.

McMillan shoots for the Wellington District, which takes in the lower North Island, including Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu and down to the capital.

"There are five opportunities a year to win district titles. There are titles in four disciplines - target, field, matchplay and clout, which is distance shooting over 185 metres - then there is indoor."

Usually, shooters are good at one or two disciplines, but not all. It appears McMillan is okay at them all. He has titles in every discipline.

"My next opportunity to crack the 100 mark is February/March next year.

"The venue has yet to be set, but it won't be here in Wanganui."