By Jonathan Leask  March 13 2010

Over 24 years of competing at the trapshooting nationals, Shane Watson had come close to national titles, making the New Zealand Mackintosh team on five occasions.

Last weekend he finally broke his duck by taking out the national ball trap title and the down the line 18 metre triples title. It was a result that was pleasing for Watson.

"It was pretty good, it was more exciting winning the second one," he said.

Funnily enough his form going into the national championships wasn't what he wanted it to be.

"I wasn't shooting that well.

"But I knew that all I had to do was shoot a lot of targets and at the end of the day you'll shoot well."

The two national titles were no easy feat with the a strong Australian contingent jumping the ditch to nab four out of the seven titles, with Watson taking two of the remaining three.

His involvement in trapshooting began in 1982.

"I was a trapper first for a few years. Then my father asked if I wanted a go, so I did."

And he has been doing it ever since, a decision that paid off on the weekend when he finally got his name etched on not one but two national trophies.

With the big tournament out of the way Watson now has some time to relax until the major competitions resume in spring.

"For now it's just back to the club shoots."

For the Methven club shooter and the rest of his club, that currently involves using the Ashburton facilities until the club finds themselves a new home.

Pictured: Shooter Shane Watson with his national trophies. - Photo Carmen Rooney 110310-CR-008