Greyhounds
Rank outsider David Bale ($31.20) caused one of the biggest boilovers in Group 1 history, running down kennelmate Desalle Bale in the shadows of the post to win the Sky Racing TOPGUN at The Meadows on Saturday. Master trainer Graeme Bate and owner Paul Wheeler quinella-ed the Group 1 Sky Racing TOPGUN for the second year running. Allen Harper and Radley Bale finished one-two last year. David Bale’s victory was the 22nd of his career from 74 starts, with the $150,000 winner’s cheque pushing his prizemoney to more than $310,000. Runner-up Desalle Bale has now finished second in two Group 1 events at The Meadows, running behind brother Barcia Bale in the Maturity in July.
RDFL
Rupertswood’s transfer from VAFA to the Riddell District Football League has been rubber-stamped after the VAFA did not oppose the clearance application last week. “While disappointed at the departure we understand the circumstances behind the decision and wish Rupertswood all the best in the future,” VAFA CEO Michael Sholly said. The VAFA met at the weekend to discuss the restructure of Rupertswood’s former division, Premier C.
NCL
Vic Spirit split its weekend double-header against Western Fury in Women’s National Cricket League after a three-wicket win on Sunday. The Fury won Saturday’s first match convincingly, 5-181 in reply to Vic Spirit’s 180. But Sunday’s Twenty20 was a closer affair with the Spirit squeaking home 7-86 in reply to the Fury’s 8-82. Briana Binch was best of the Victorian bowlers with 3-8 in the Twenty20, while Ellyse Villani top-scored with 48 runs.
W-League
Melbourne Victory is propping up the W-League table in eighth and last place after a 1-0 home defeat to the Brisbane Roar on Saturday. Former Victory player Vedrana Popovic scored the only goal of the match from a free kick in the 17th minute. Melbourne suffered two major injuries in the match with Louisa Bisby and reigning W-League ‘young player of the year’ Ashley Brown both suffering ACL knee injuries. The Victory is the only team in the league yet to score a goal this season and has two losses from two games. Melbourne plays Newcastle Jets at Kardinia Park in Geelong this Saturday at 2pm.
