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RICHARDSON DOMINATES IN THE 2012 BRENDON CLARK INVITATIONAL

07/08/2012

RICHARDSON DOMINATES IN THE 2012 BRENDON CLARK INVITATIONAL

A capacity crowd of New South Wales bull riding fans were treated to a night of highs and lows in the Newcastle Entertainment Centre as home town favourite, Lachlan Richardson produced three great rides to secure his first Australian Cup Series win moving him one step closer on his rival Dave Kennedy in the race for the Australian Title.

Round 1 of the competition seen Rookie of the Year Challenger, Sam O’Connor take an early lead with an 88 point score aboard the John Gill and Sons, Madness, followed by USA’s Havre Stewart and New Zealand’s Fraser Babbington who tied 2nd and 3rd with 86 point scores. Overall event winner, Richardson placed equal 3rd and 4th in the first round with an 84.5 point score.
The second Round would also be dominated by the bull riders with over 60% of the bulls being ridden. Local favorite, Richardson backed up his first round ride by adding an 89 point score aboard, George Hempenstalls “Buster” giving him a 5.5 point lead going into the Championship Round.

Come time for the Championship Round the atmosphere was electric with 3 of the top 8 positions filled with local favorites, Ben Jones, Jason O’Hearn who was making his debut back to competition after suffering an injury in the 2011 World Finals in Las Vegas and young Lachlan Richardson. Joining the New South Welshman in the final chapter were three internationals Harve Stewart, Ryan Dirteater and New Zealand’s Fraser Babbington along with former 2011 PBR Australian Champion Jock Connolly.

Richardson made no hesitation in selecting the 2 Time Bucking Bull of the Year, Lab Rat, the same bull that Brendon Clark won his namesake event on in 2011. Last to choose a bull in the Bull Draft selection would be Ben Jones who had no choice but to take the big eliminator “Bitter and Twister” who had previously been un-ridden in the last 3 years.

Jones would overcome the reputation of Bitter and Twisted making the 8 and marking an impressive 85.5point score to give him an early lead in the competition.  The next three, Stewart, Dirteater and O’Hearn would go unsuccessful on their picks. Both Jory Markis and Fraser Babbington marked 86 points’ scores in the Championship Round with Babbington sitting in the number 1 position going into Richardson’s Ride.

The scene was set and the atmosphere electric as Richardson out rode the 2 Time Australian Champion Bull, Lab Rat marking an 87.25 point score giving him a 3 bull total of 266.5 points, 10 points ahead of his nearest rival Babbington.

It would be one sweet win for Richardson who needed to gain ground on the number one ranked rider, Dave Kennedy going into the National Final in Sydney on Saturday, July 21st.
The PBR Riders now head north to Brisbane Entertainment Centre for the Brisbane Invitational on July 14th where Dave Kennedy will be looking to retain his lead for the Australian Title and $15 000 Bonus, whilst Richardson will be going into the event with confidence and looking to continue his winning streak.

This is one Australian Final race that is going to come down to the wire and one you do not want to miss.

Next Events:
Brisbane Invitational – July 14th at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
PBR National Finals – July 21st at the Sydney Allphones Arena.

Event Results:
Round 1:
1st: Sam O’Connor, Tully QLD – 88 points.
2/3rd: Harve Stewart, Texas USA – 86 points.
2/3rd: Fraser Babbington, New Zealand – 86 points.
4/5th: Jock Connolly, Charters Towers QLD – 84.5 points.
4/5th: Lachlan Richardson, Gressford NSW – 84.5 points.

Round 2:
1st: Lachlan Richardson, Gressford NSW – 89 points.
2nd: Chris Lowe, Uralla NSW – 86.5 points.
3/4th: Mitch Paton, Nebo QLD – 86 points.
3/4th: Jory Markis, Colorado USA – 86 points.
5th: Chase Outlaw, Arizona USA – 85 points.

Championship Round:
1st: Lachlan Richardson – 87.25 points
2/3rd: Fraser Babbington – 86 points.
2/3rd: Jory Markis – 86 points.
4th: Ben Jones – 85.5 points.

Average:
1st: Lachlan Richardson – 266.5 points.
2nd: Fraser Babbington – 256.5 points.
3rd: Jory Markis – 254.5 points.
4th: Ben Jones – 250.5 points.