In a different style of competition than Ella usually competes in, the two day event hosting more than 100 competitors, combined field, clout, target and match play events.

Ella competed in the cadet under 17 Recurve (Olympic class) division, contesting all four of the events held. In the target event Ella finished with a bronze medal. In the match play and field event she was rewarded with two silver medals. In the clout event she received a fourth place. Overall the NSW State team was a fast finishing second.

“This is the first one I’ve ever done, I’m pretty happy about it,” Ella said.

Ella’s performances leading up to and including the Nationals resulted in her being selected (provisionally) to represent Australia at the Trans Tasman Challenge in April in New Zealand.

Steve Salmon, team manager and archery NSW junior coordinator is happy with Ella’s results and is pleased to have her as an asset on the NSW side.

“Ella is a dedicated and talented young archer and a valuable member of the State team and the State development squad. Ella’s parents have provided great support, transporting her all over the state for development days, coaching and qualifying tournaments. She is definitely a young lady with a bright archery future.”

Ella’s father, Tony, enjoyed watching the different style of competition saying it was a great spectator event.

A new dimension was added to the sport for him with spectators allowed to watch from 20 metres, much closer than Ella’s usual field competitions.

A highlight of the competition was the match play event which involved a target competition between two competitors shooting head to head. This new event was described by Ella as scary and nerve racking.

This year will be a challenge for the 16-year-old Wingham High School year 12 student who will be juggling training for the Trans Tasman Youth Australian team with HSC study. The world event also unfortunately clashes with her trial and HSC exams.

Ella trains every afternoon and is a sportswoman at heart hoping to play hockey and league tag this year as well. She has been involved in archery since the age of four and one day hopes to represent Australia in the Olympics.

Ella enjoyed meeting new people through the NSW side who shared her passion and said it was good to have a change from her usual field events.