Esperance gets in on the action

Barrel racer: Samantha Withers aboard Drift. Photos: Haidee Vandenberghe

It was a long time between drinks for Esperance cowboys, who recently saw the first rodeo in town for more than 30 years.

About 40 cowboys pulled on their chaps in hot conditions to entertain a crowd of more than 750.

For former Esperance rider Jim Laverty, the event brought fame and fortune.

Edging out Dustin Clinch in the saddle broncs, Laverty picked up the $1200 prize on a score of 69.

Now based in Collie, Laverty said his ride, Desert Rat, performed strongly: "Normally, the horse would jump and kick straightaway but this one mixed it up a bit. I really had to spur him to stay on - he was a good little horse."

Qualifying sixth out of 15 for the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association nationals, the four-time WA champion in saddle broncs believes he could be entering a purple patch of form.

"It's the first time I've qualified for that association but I went in 2004 to the Australian Professional Rodeo Association nationals. I didn't do really well but I'm riding much better now."

In the bareback rodeo, favourites Paul Casey and Luke Metcalf tied on a score of 63, ahead of Peter Price, 57 points, and Jesse Deburgh on 54.

Making it a double for the infamous Metcalf brothers, Damon tied for first with Malcolm Bergerson on 68 in the open bulls. The rookie bull ride saw Esperance locals Steve Bennett and Sam White line up, but just three riders managed to stay the required eight seconds.

Jeremiah Day took out the prize with 64 points, while Chris Young and Richard Caddies rounded out the places.

Barrel racing completed the day's events, as Gaynor Dalle-Nogare finished more than a second ahead of US national Oriana Beemer to claim first prize.

The next rodeo will be held in Byford on February 6.

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