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The Dirt n Dust settles in Julia Creek

04/20/2011

The Dirt n Dust settles in Julia Creek

(Feb 18, 2011) – Central Queensland bull rider Roy Dunn, competing in his first PBR for the 2011 season upstaged a high-class field of Australia’s top cowboys to claim victory in Saturday night’s Southern Cross Media Dirt n Dust Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Challenger Series.

An amazing atmosphere was generated by the 2000 fans that packed the Town and Country Club to watch the three-hour PBR event. Held in conjunction with the Dirt n Dust Festival the bull riding event was the Saturday night feature to what was a full weekend of activities.

Jason Mara (Bouldercombe, Q) started the scoring midway through the first section with a high marked ride of 87.5points on Ken Hansen’s bull Wild Side and he continues to be one of the most consistent riders on the PBR tour in 2011.

Charters Towers’ veteran and former Australian Champion, Jock Connolly carried on his outstanding form this season with an 84 point score and second place in the round aboard Rodeo Blues.

In the first round of competition the riders could only manage a total of 7 scores, with the remaining 4 positions in the championship round being drawn back using the new PBR rule, which is based around who ever stays on their bull the closest to the 8 second time.

One of the draw-back riders was New Zealander, Fraser Babbington who in turn made the most of this opportunity aboard Darren Brandenburg’s monster “Big Brian”, scoring a massive 86.5 points and creating the momentum for those who were to ride after him in the action packed Championship Round.

Roy Dunn was soon to follow with his match up against Hansen’s “Radar” the same bull the event was won on in 2010. Dunn matched the bull perfectly and was scored accordingly with an 87.5 point ride, which in turn combined with his first round 80.5 to take the lead in the competition.

As the championship round progressed so did the atmosphere at the Julia Creek bull pitt as Boulia cowboy and defending champion Grant Wells exploded into main arena aboard the notorious bull “Arachephobia” putting together a sensational 86 point  ride but not enough to secure back to back wins in Julia Creek.

2011 would be Roy Dunn’s year securing his first win on the 2011 PBR calendar in the first PBR event he has contested for the season.
 

Julia Creek played a very important role in this year’s tour with it being the last qualifying event on Australian soil that gives these pro bull riders a chance to stake a claim for a spot in the lucrative $200 000 PBR Australian Cup Series, which will feature international bull riders from around the globe, combined with our Australian talent and going head to head against the most extreme bucking bulls this nation has to offer.

Over a 5 week period riders will compete in 5 venues – Sydney Acer Arena: Saturday June 4th, Brisbane Entertainment Centre: June 18th, Townsville Entertainment Centre: Saturday June 25th, Newcastle Entertainment Centre: July 2nd with the National Finals being staged in Melbourne Hisense Arena on Saturday July 9th.

JULIA CREEK RESULTS:

Southern Cross Media Dirt n Dust PBR Challenger Series Results:
1. Roy Dunn    Sarina, Qld    168.0 points
2. Grant Wells    Boulia, Qld    167.0 points
3. Duncan Elks    Uralla, NSW    163.5points
4. Jason Mara    Bouldercombe, Qld      87.5 points
5. Fraser Babbington    Gisborne, NZ      86.5 points

PBR Australia Season Standings:
1. Jock Connolly    Charters Towers, Qld     826.0 points
2. Jim Rowsell    Goondiwindi, Qld     802.0 points
3. Sam Larsen    Mundubbera, Qld     673.5 points
4. Jason Mara    Bouldercombe, Qld     641.5 points
5. Grant Wells    Boulia, Qld     617.0 points

Professional Bull Riders Troy Dunn Invitational
Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre
Saturday, June 25th
Tickets start at just $20 and can be purchased by calling (07) 4771 4000 direct for the Townsville Entertainment Centre Box Office or online at www.tecc.net.au