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BATS ready to fly around Albert Park circuit

Athletics Bendigo Region’s teams will be aiming to make a strong start to the On-backed cross-country series in this Sunday’s 5km showdown at Albert Park.

The Bats will compete in various men’s and women’s divisions and junior age categories in the Lakeside 5km.

Racing will on an out-and-back circuit which starts at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne, winds its way to Junction Oval and then back into the iconic Lakeside Stadium, which is Athletics Victoria’s home.

Bendigo’s premier men’s team will be determined to rise up the ladder after it slipped to the ninth rung after being XCR premiers the previous season.

Sunday’s action begins at 8.30am and involves open, 40-plus 50-plus, 60-plus, under-20, 18, 16 and 14 categories.

Centres or clubs involved in the 10-round series include APS, Ballarat, Box Hill, Collingwood, Doncaster, Essendon, Geelong, Knox, Melbourne University, Nunawading, Richmond and South Melbourne.

Fitzgerald retains national boxing belt

Bendigo-raised boxer Tommy Fitzgerald retained his Australian professional lightweight belt after last Saturday night’s bout with Alec Kumar was declared a draw.

Fitzgerald and Kumar fought 10 rounds of three-minutes duration at The Pavilion in Flemington.

Judges cards were 95-95, 96-94 and 95-95.

A coach at Team Ellis Gym, Fitzgerald’s pro record now stands at eight wins, one draw.

Fitzgerald’s feat to win the Australian lightweight title put him in the running for the 60th Bendigo Sports Star of the Year award, which went to gun basketballer Dyson Daniels who capped a superb NBA season with Atlanta Hawks by being named most improved player.