Bats ready to fly at Ballarat

ATHLETICS Bendigo Region’s cross-country stars will aim to increase their lead in several divisions at Sunday’s cross-country action in Ballarat.

Hundreds of athletes will make their way to Lake Wendouree to contest 15-kilometre or 6-kilometre road races in a range of age groups.

Seventh in the marathon at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Andy Buchanan led the Bats charge to glory in round six at Bundoora.

Buchanan also captured the Victorian open 10-kilometre cross-country crown in 29 minutes.

Chasing back-to-back men’s premier titles, Bendigo has scored 57 points to be leading the competition.

A strong squad racing for Bats includes Matt Buckell, Archie Reid, Nathan Stoate, Paddy Stow, and Brady Threlfall.

A high for Bendigo is the form of the women’s division three team which has won all six rounds for a tally of 87 points.

Taryn Furletti was Bendigo’s best in the women’s open 10-kilometre at Bundoora where she was 23rd in 39 minutes.

The Bats lead the men’s division three premiership race on 91 points and men’s division six by just three points.

Bendigo’s young stars have also shone throughout the XCR action.

The Bats lead the men’s under-20 ladder and are third in the under-20 women’s category.

Great signs for Bendigo were the form of Harrison Boyd, Phoebe Lonsdale, Jayden Padgham, Angus Macafee, Avery McDermid, Abbey Reid, Tullie Rowe, Chelsea and Logan Tickell in their races at Bundoora.