Shooting is in the blood of Theoni Foster who since the age of four, has wanted to participate in target shooting. 

Being a rifle shooting enthusiast himself, grand-dad, Bernie Simmons, would bring home shooting magazines and Theoni would engross herself in the stories and dream of the day she was old enough to shoot.

Reaching the magical age of 12, and just two short years of shooting experience, Theoni has snared the title of first junior to score a perfect 400 at Binnaway Small Bore Rifle Club.

“We present the trophy for the perfect score once only, this applies for both the adults and juniors,” said Club President, Bernie Simmons.

“I’m especially proud of Theoni, she’s dedicated to the sport and shoots well with her custom made Hall rifle and scoring the perfect score just two years into the sport is a great achievement.

“Now Mattison is hot on the heals of her younger sister, scoring 399 shooting with her Walther custom rifle."

Family bragging rights along with a competitive personality, Theoni said “I always wanted to beat grand-dad and sometimes I do."

"To get the perfect score, I had a mixture of feeling excitement, happy and over-joyed.

“I would like to represent Australia in shooting when I’m good enough,” Theoni said.

Theoni being presented with trophy for perfect score by Bernie Simmons [IMAGE: Binnaway Smal Bore Rifle Club]

Rifle shooting has been in the Simmons family for several generations.

When Bert Simmons (Theoni's great-grandfather), took over as treasurer of Binnaway Small Bore Rifle Club it was struggling financially. 

With determination and dedication, Bert was able to turn the club around so that it was financially sustainable. 

When the Club relocated to its current location, it seemed only fitting that a shooting range be named after him.

Now the Bert Simmons Memorial Range plays host to the latest generations and both her parents are happy with the arrangement.

“I’m a very proud mum of her achievement so far," said Melissa Simmons.

"Her sister Mattie is also very good. 

"Both girls want to beat their grand-dad and if that is what motivates them, I’m happy with that."

Theoni practising. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]

With two daughters shooting, the targets and ammunition can be costly, it’s a team effort to collect the 10c return and earn cans and bottles to contribute to the cost.

“You can buy cheaper ammo, but my preference is the $30 ones for a pack of 50, you need consistency with the quality, otherwise the girls would lose interest. 

"It is especially expensive when we all compete as we can get through two or three packs per day each and if it’s a weekend event, it could cost around $300 just for ammo."

“As a grand-dad, I’m very proud of both of the girls and I hope they continue and do represent Australia. 

"They both have a promising future in the area of rifle shooting” Bernie said.

Binnaway Small Bore Rifle Range is open every Sunday and there’s an opportunity if a member wants to shoot during the week that the rifle range can be opened.

If you would like more information about Binnaway Small Bore Rifle Range, contact Bernie Simmons on 0493 170 008.