By LIAM TWOMEY
THEY came, they saw and they conquered. For Western Suburbs brothers Craig and Steve Trembath, the recent International Shooting Sport Federation Championship in Perth was one for the record books.
Steve, from Seabrook, took out the trap final while Craig, from Sanctuary Lakes, claimed the double trap final.
According to the Australian Clay Target Association records, the pair are the first brothers in the history of the sport to win Commonwealth and National Titles at the same event.
“It was a great result,” Craig said.
“We have put a lot into the sport over the last 10 plus years and to actually have a situation where two brothers take out the national titles in both the flagship events it is just a really good thing to share.
Steve was also rapt to enjoy the spotlight with his brother.
“I think it made it all the more special that my brother had won as well,” Steve said.
“We couldn’t have got the timing better. It was great that he did it and won his event and then for me to go and win my one was just huge.”
The National Championships saw the best shooters in Australia descend on Perth in the hope of walking away with top honours.
On his way to the gold in the trap event, Steve edged out Olympians Adam Vella and Michael Diamond while in the double trap, Craig also defeated Olympians Tom Turner and Russell Mark.
Craig is hoping his run of good form continues all the way to the Commonwealth Games.
In the coming weeks he will compete in two events in Australia as well as a tournament in Kuwait to try and book his spot to Glasgow.
“At the end of those three events, we will know who is going to the Commonwealth Games in double trap,” Craig said.
“It looks like Russell Mark is going to take one of the two spots, and it is probably between myself and Tom Turner for the second spot. I just need to have a good couple of weeks in those events that are coming up and it is in my hands to be able to take that position.”
It will also be a busy few months for Steve, who has been selected for the Victorian state team.
The pair paid credit to the tough training they get at the Werribee International Shooting Complex as well as the support of their families in getting to the top.
“Without the support of our families we couldn’t do it that’s for sure,” Craig said.
“Our base is at Werribee and it is renowned for being a tough place to train. It puts us in very good stead and that club and that facility continues to produce very good athletes.
“To have those facilities on your doorstep fast tracks you to be able to get better and it certainly helped put the results on the board for us.”
