Yass bull-riding fans showed up in their thousands for Round 9 of the Bundaberg Rum PBR Touring Pro Series on the weekend, which saw bull riders from NSW, Queensland and Victoria compete for over $5000 in prize-money.
Promoted as the Battle of the Bens, Ben Keliher from Maryborough QLD, Ben Jones from
Goulburn NSW and Ben Seeds from Rockhampton QLD were the main focus as they strived to earn valuable dollars towards the 2007 PBR Australian Title.
However it was NSW’s Pete Farley who stole the show with two exceptional rides to take out first place.
Farley was in fine form, winning the first round of the competition before backing it up in the championship round with the highest scoring ride of the event. He marked an 88.5 point ride aboard L&M Rodeo’s Unforgiven to secure the overall event win.
Ben Jones continued his top form by placing second in the competition. Going in to the final round of the tour in Cunnamulla this weekend he moves from second place on the tour back to the number one ranked rider in the country.
It will be a Championship fight to the finish going into the $20,000 Bundaberg Rum PBR Touring Pro Finals on December 30 and 31 in Rockhampton.
Qualified rides were scarce on the night as the bull power from Yass local George Hempenstall,
Matt Besant and Gary McPhee combined to deliver what can only be described as one of the best pens of bucking bulls to feature on the PBR Tour this year.
The PBR “Man of Funk”, Mick Johnson kept the crowd entertained during the breaks with his quick wit and specialty acts, which combined with the bull riding event to make sure fans were left with never a dull moment.
Plans are already underway with the Yass Committee to ensure the PBR Tour becomes an annual
Tour stop on the Yass Events calendar and the PBR are also looking forward to seeing it become a regular recognized signature event for the region of Yass.
(Results)
Round 1: 1. Pete Farley (Kempsey NSW) 86 points on McPhee Rodeo Co’s Show Time, 2. Chris McPhee (Millbrook Vic) 84 points on Diamond H Rodeo’s Cream Puff, 3. Michael Chapman (Maryborough Qld) 81points on L&M Rodeo’s #44, 4. Eddie Carlon (Canowindra NSW) 79 points on L&M Rodoe’s #44, 4. Matthew Mapp (Singleton NSW) 79 points on L&M Rodeo’s Roy.
Championship Round: 1. Pete Farley (Kempsey NSW) 88.5 points on L&M Rodeo’s Unforgiven, 2. Riley Gibson (Tamworth NSW) 85.5 points on McPhee Rodeo Co’s Fire & Ice, 3. Ben Jones (Goulburn NSW) 78.5 points on Diamond H Rodeo Co’s Eight Ball.
Overall Event Results: 1. Pete Farley (Kempsey NSW) 174.5 points $ 2,023.52, 2. Ben Jones (Goulburn NSW) 154.5 points $ 1,124.18, 3. Riley Gibson (Tamworth NSW) 85.5 points $ 674.51, 4. Chris McPhee (Millbrook Vic) 84 points $ 786.92, 5. Michael Chapman (Maryborough Qld) 81 points $ 494.64, 6/7. Eddie Carlon (Canowindra NSW) 79 points $ 213.59, 6/7. Matthew Mapp (Singleton NSW) 79 points $ 213.59, 8. Ben Seeds (Dingo Qld) 78.5 points
$89.93.
Event Bull Ratings : 1. #46 – L&M Special – L&M Rodeo Co – 45.5, 2. #N2 – Blue Jeans – McPhee Rodeo Co – 44.5.
PBR Australia Standings: 1. Ben Jones (Goulburn Qld) $13,731.95, 2. Ben Keliher (Maryborough Qld) $ 13,068.39, 3. Ben Seeds (Dingo Qld) $ 10,413.10, 4. Matt Postle (Emerald Qld) $9,818.70, 5. Jock Connolly (Townsville Qld) $ 9,116.29.