Cycling
Williamstown veterinarian Simon Hurn has taken out Footscray Cycling Club’s inaugural winter classic. The 17th round had five bunches setting off at intervals based on their abilities, with scratch leaving 20 minutes after limit. It was second scratch rider Hurn who took the double of first place and fastest time. The 40-year-old was stoked with the win. “My group looked like a strong bunch on paper, but I thought we would do well today,” he said. “The key was in how well we worked together. This would have to be the smoothest, most harmonious bunch I’ve ever ridden in. Everyone pulled their turns; we were very punchy and the first three laps were done at a great pace.”
Lacrosse
Footscray has jumped into second spot
in the Lacrosse Victoria men’s state league with a 12-9 win over Eltham at Lower Eltham Park on Saturday. The Bulldogs were bolstered by the return of Australian international James Lawrenson, who featured at the world championships in Denver last month. Lawrenson capped his return to the line-up with a goal and an assist. Dane Kowal was the talk of the team with four goals and an assist.
Gridiron
Western Crusaders are one step away from Gridiron Victoria’s Vic Bowl XXX. The Crusaders were victorious 25-6 over the South Eastern Predators in the conference semi-final at Henry Turner Reserve on Saturday. They have set up a showdown with the Geelong Buccaneers in the conference final at The Cove in Corio on Saturday.
Rugby league
The Altona Roosters ended their Victorian Rugby League first grade campaign on a sour note with a 40-20 home loss to Doveton Steelers at Loft Reserve on Saturday. The Roosters will not feature in the top-flight finals for the first time since 1991. There will be no second division finals for the Roosters either, after a 30-26 loss to the South East Titans in the final round on Saturday.