Bluett, Allston return to form as Cockatoos hold most of their ground
The Canberra Cockatoos limited the damage in today’s National League round, managing to keep all but three points of their lead over the Victorian Nuggets, which is now down to 18 with three rounds to go. Victoria have consolidated second place over the NSW Stingers and now lead them by four points.
The individual results were dominated by two World Championship team members, Grant Bluett and Hanny Allston. Both were well below par at Pittwater on Sunday, but returned to form with comfortable victories over the middle distance at Sandstone Valleys. Bluett was two minutes ahead of Ben Rattray (pictured, right) and Rob Preston, while Allston was even further ahead, four minutes up. Julia Davies achieved her best National League result with second, whilst Tracy Bluett was third. The results make it more likely that the two issues in doubt – Jo Allison’s lead over Tracy Bluett for the title and Dave Shepherd’s second over Rob Preston – will be resolved in favour of the incumbents; both Bluett and Preston still have a chance but will need two top-two results at least.
Erin Post secured the junior women’s title with a comfortable win, whilst her nearest challenger in the League, Ainsley Cavanagh, finished seventh. Kellie Whitfield made it a one-two for the Western Australians, who consolidated their lead in the team competition, whilst Lizzie Ingham completed the placings. Louis Elson took advantage of home ground to win the boys’ event from Simon Uppill, whilst Ryan Smyth made it a trifecta for the JWOC team.