Top gunner Nicholas Benjamin scored 92 out of a possible 100 in the 3rd Toyota Cup Sporting Clays to grab his first-ever championship trophy on Sunday at the Jamaica Skeet Club in Portmore.

Benjamin was surprised by the win, especially since the field was filled with all the best local shooters. Of the win, he said it was “pretty surprising”.

“To be honest with you, I certainly didn’t expect it, but tek wey you can get, it’s a lot of good shooters out here so I am just happy,” he said.

He credited former president Errol Zaide, who introduced him to shooting, for predicting that he would win the tournament this year. Benjamin described his preparation by saying: “Just try to clear your mind and take every bird as it comes to you and try not to think about too much else. It’s more than anything a mental game so to calm yourself is the important part.” Benjamin’s win is significant considering that he is a Class B shooter.

Craig Simpson, with a score of 91, was the runner-up.

Marguerite Harris, the female winner was happy with the win.

“It was a good course. I was trying my best to get the 80 and I did get it, so I am happy,” she said.

Harris just had one challenging station, but was able to pull through with the help of her teammates. She now looks forward to the national championship in May.

President of the Jamaica Skeet Club, Evan Thwaites, was pleased with the on-time start of the tournament.

“It went really well. Got to thank the members for their co-operation (as) we started off on time which is unusual for us and that’s gonna be one of the things the new administration aims for,” he noted.