After a bad first day Ward astounded critics and got his head around the worsening wind conditions to record a near perfect score and almost snatch victory in an event that is limited to Australia’s very best marksmen. 

Ward said he had no chance to practice before the event and the first time he shot on the Newcastle range was when the competition started.

“I was not able to get any practice in because I run a business, so I’m pleased that I ending up coming second,” he said.

“I try to have fun at the competitions when I’m not shooting, but when it’s time to shoot I try and not think of anything else and focus on what the wind flags and probes are telling me and try not to get mentally hung up if I have a bad shot.”

Current Duel WBSF World Champion and triple world record holder John Radford said Ward’s effort to fight back was simply incredible and showed the huge potential he has.

“Nic is a genial giant and is the driving force in the very successful New England and North Coast “8 Club Series” which this year produced 4 of the 9 man Australian RBA Team for the Brisbane world titles and he is highly regarded in this most competitive of shooting sports,” he said.

“I have competed against Nic for the past five years and have seen him improve from a very accomplished shooter to today being one of the very best in Australia. 

“His selection this year to represent Australia in Brisbane in the RBA rimfire titles is testament to this claim and in fact he was most unlucky not to take a podium finish being caught by some unshootable wind conditions on his very last target.”

Radford went on to say it is only a matter of time before Nic wins his first Australian title and the world title is under threat if he keeps improving and stays focused.                                               

“Nic is an incredible talent whom Glen Innes should be very proud of,” he said.

Besides placing second at the Newcastle 1000 Ward lists making the Australian team, placing fourth at the last RBA Nationals, and getting medals at most of the eight round NNSW Rimfire Benchrest Championships as achievements he is proud of.  

Ward says the high standard of local competition has helped him with these achievements.

“Without my local club the Highland Hunting & Target Club and the NNSW Rimfire Benchrest Championships, I don't think I would have got as far as I have, the level of competition is very high at both which pushes me to improve and be better,” he said.

“I will be aiming to make the Australian team again for Slovenia in 2017 because making the team the first time for the world championships in Brisbane was a great experience.”