Alpha draws high riders

THE small community of Alpha had more than its entire population jam into the showgrounds for the 4B's rodeo at the weekend.

Over 550 fans attended the CRCA affiliated event with 128 competitors from all across Central Queensland on

display.

"Roughly 550 people came through the gate, so we were very happy to see so many coming to support our event," Comiskey said.

"We are a small community so that is an amazing crowd.

"The competition was very good, all of the event winners rode very well.

"Bull ride is always a very popular event and all of our feature events made it really exciting to watch from the stands."

Rockhampton bull rider Jay Borghero claimed the Taylor Toomey invitational bull ride while Blackwater's Lucas McKenzie won the open bull ride.

Despite all of the droughts crippling Alpha and surrounding parts, local businesses still found it in their hearts to sponsor each event, something not forgotten by Comiskey.

"Local families have been hit pretty hard economically and socially by the drought and it was just amazing to see the local businesses still supporting," she said.

"It is difficult for all community run events to find sponsorship so any contribution be it financially or volunteering is very much appreciated.

"All of our proceeds raised go towards other local sporting committees and school P&Cs so it's straight back into the community.

"Our invitational bull ride managed to raise over $2000 for the Taylor Toomey fund as well which was fantastic."

In conjunction with this event was the High School Rodeo, won by Peter Copping, Annalise Cant and Sam Aguis.

Alpha will host its annual four-day Campdraft from Thursday, March 31, to Sunday, April 3.

Results

ALPHA Rodeo results:

Taylor Toomey invitational bull ride: Jay Borghero

Alpha Merchandise Open Bull Ride: Lucas McKenzie

Peter Hoch Memorial Open Saddle ride: Tom Webster

RD Hoch Mechanical and A/C Open Bareback ride: Owen Lee

Spar Express Open Ladies Barrel Race: Renee Acton

Alpha Gateway Rookie Bull ride: Blayne Johnson

Jack Dillon Memorial Junior Bull Ride: Ky Hamilton

Michael Horman Transport and Alpha Quarries Junior Barrel Race: Amber Patterson

Barcaldine Regional Council Steer ride: Toby Hale

Poddy rides:

Under-7s Cooper O'Toole

Under-9s Kash Turner

Under-11s Justin Roff