Harness racing
Friday night saw the second last meeting of the Busselton trotting season - meaning the final night and Busselton Cup is looming – with the main race looking like it will be a mouth watering spectacle.
Hillbilly Time looks a genuine threat in the cup when the Peter Hensley trained Collie pacer made it three wins on the trot. With a hot early pace been set Trent Wheeler sat back patiently waiting to make his move and entering the bell he hooked the six-year-old into the moving line before dashing clear in the concluding stages to once again defeat Our Bobbydazzler and Batali.
Another Collie pacer Call Me Ernie made it three wins from five starts since the season began for trainer Bianca Ashcroft. Settling behind the leader from 20 metres, Call Me Ernie waited for the gap to open and when the pacer facing the breeze called it a day Ashley Markham took advantage and dashed the youngster to a length victory from a brave Disco Spirit who first started from 50m.
Errol Ashcroft wasn't to be upstaged by his daughter when the evergreen veteran drove Ti Amo Bella to a good victory in the last of the evening. The three-year old youngster settled three back from the fence in a seemingly hopeless position but when the leaders broke and checked each other Errol shot the brown filly to narrowly win defeating Secure The Gold.
The Albies sweetheart series is now set for a mouth watering finish after Friday night results when the Matthew Scott trained Lady Azalea once again took a narrow lead in the series from stable mate Abetta Tiny Dancer. Driven more aggressively by Trent Wheeler he sent the mare forward to race outside the leader Alluring Attitude and turning for home looked to race away with the event, but due credit to Alluring Attitude –she gave the second favorite a mighty scare only to go down by the barest of margins.
Lisdelight started the night off in fine fashion when taking full advantage of barrier one he started perfectly for driver Shane Young and took a narrow lead heading for home to hold off a game Rum Delight who sat outside the leader and only failed by the shortest of margins.
Magical Mitch a full brother to one of WA's greats in Mysta Magical Mach showed a glimpse of the famous brother with a catch me if you can tactic for trainer driver Steven Jelf and it played off with an easy 25m victory from Compact Rocket.
Club president Dennis Russell saddled up Dontch Remember in the Callows Graduation and driven by his son Headly he was given a chance to be prominent when settling outside the leader, it was a tooth and nail battle with another local Spoilt Talk but Dontch Remember got the judges verdict in the photo.
Friday night is our final meeting with the running of the time honored Busselton Cup.
T20 Cricket
WEEK eight of the inaugural Busselton T20 season was marred by bad weather for the first time and with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Joyce hitting Vasse, it was decided to cancel Tuesday’s match between the Jacks and The Lemons.
This game is hopefully being played tomorrow night instead.
With the weather also threatening Wednesday’s game between the Bin Chooks and the Heavy Rollers, it was decided to continue on with the skies clearing and the players keen for a game of cricket.
The top of the ladder Bin Chooks were intent on staying there while the Heavy Rollers, stuck at the foot of the ladder, were keen to get a win on the board.
The Chooks batted first and were soon in trouble with Leaney back in the sheds for 2 with the score on 15. This soon changed for the batting team.
Four retirees were back in the pavilion with Beckett, Armstrong, Matt Harbrek and Chris Brooke all getting that illustrious 25 runs to retire.
Nathan Larson went bang with a first ball 6 before being the second legitimate wicket to fall for the Chooks but the score was already 2 for 138.
When Matty Braid was dismissed for 1, Reed for 11 and the skipper Danny for a duck; the Chooks were sitting at 5 for 153 in the 15th over.
Another 17 runs were scored to take the final total to 7 for 183.
Armstrong continuing his good season with 35 not out while Matt Harbeck, 28* and Chris Brooke 25* also kept their wicket intact.
Robbie Williams was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 5 from 2 overs while Titts took 2 for 24 from his two over spell.
Williams and Shane Annadale opened the batting for the Rollers and were intent on a great start.
Ten runs from the first over had the run chase off to a flyer before Williams was dismissed in the fourth over for 10 with the score 1 for 25.
This was soon 2 for 43 then 4 for 46 before Titts retired and Chris Wright scored 24.
At 6 for 104 in the 14th over it was game on, but unfortunately the Heavy Rollers lost a few too many wickets and were eventually dismissed for 132.
This week will see a top of the table clash held last night with the Swingers playing the Bin Chooks in a game that could determine top spot of the ladder.
With the Bin Chooks 18 points, or two games clear on top over the Swingers, the Swingers must win this for a chance to leap frog them.
The Heavy Rollers will take on The Jack of All Trades tonight in what will shape as a huge game for them to get their first win of the season.
All games are held at the Vasse Sporting Complex on Napoleon Boulevard from 4.45pm.
It is a fantastic family friendly entertainment so bring a picnic, the family and a thirst for fun sport and cheer on your local legends.
All inquiries, please call Corporate South West on 0420 576 029.