LOCAL SPORTS ROUNDUP

BENNINGTON -- World champion horseshoe thrower Brian Simmons finished undefeated in the Men's Class A group at the Vermont State Championship on Sunday to earn the title.

Simmons, from Bristol, scored 131 ringers in 206 shoes en route to a 5-0 performance.

He defeated Gale Greene, the runner-up in Class A with a 4-1 record. Greene actually did better statistically, scoring 120 ringers in 174 shoes for a 68.97 percent showing.

Other top finishers in each men's class were:

Class B: Lester Sanderson (7-0) and Wade Hill (5-2); Class C: Scott Santor (6-2) and Kevin Greene (5-3); Class D: John Bushey (7-0) and Steve Cross (5-2); Class E: Craig Brown (7-0) and Ed Emery (6-1); Class F: David Paquette (6-1) and Alan Curler (5-2)

In the women's A class, Debra Brown, from Bristol, finished 6-0 to win the state championship.

She threw 128 ringers in 180 shoes, a 71.1 percent success rate. Maxine Brandalik won the women's B class, finishing 5-1.

In the Elders class, Edward Lowe finished 5-0, ahead of runner-up Thomas Paradee (4-1).

Jordan Draper and Kayla Bushey won the junior classes.

Tremont scores second win at Lebanon Valley

EAST NASSAU, N.Y. -- Last week, the Valley of Speed lay dormant because of bad weather, but that only meant that the race teams would be all fired up to finish up the season strong as all the point races start winding down. Perfect weather on Saturday night brought out the fans in full force to cheer on their favorite drivers.

The big block Modifieds have been the marquee event all season long. A strong field of contenders for not only wins, but for the championship as well, have put everyone on edge. In the 30-lap Modified feature, John Ruchel powered his way out to the front as the green flag flew. But caution flew early as the No. 43K of Kenny Aanonson crashed in turn 3.

Up front, though, Keith Flach took over the top spot from Ruchel. After the restart, Kenny Tremont Jr. powered his No. 115 to the front to secure the lead.

The caution came out again when multiple cars were piled up in turn 1, including Matt Pupello, J.C. Flach, Mark Flach and Dave McFeeters. When the green flag waved, Tremont started on point and powered away from the field. Back in the pack, Brett Hearn was on the move with Brian Berger and Donnie Corellis in hot pursuit.

When the checkers flew, Tremont scored his second win of the year. Flach finished second with Hearn, Corellis, and Rob Pitcher rounding out the top 5 across the line.

In the 358 Modifieds, the No. 44J of Jeff Kelley led early, with teammates Steve Hough and Andy Bachetti charging to the front. Caution came out on Lap 11, but on the restart, the No. 88, Arlington's Olden Dwyer, came to rest on the speedway, bringing out the yellow again.

Bachetti now had to hold off the charge from Brett Hearn, as he made his way to the second spot by lap 12. But once the green flag flew, Bachetti's No. 34B took off and never looked back. Matt Quinn rolled home third followed by Tom Faxon and Jeff Kelley to round out the top five.

In the LV Sportsman 20-lap feature event, Olden Dwyer led the entire race with Kim LaVoy on the hunt in the closing laps. The race was stopped by a red flag on the final lap and on the restart, LaVoy took the low lane, and powered by Dwyer in the last turn for the win.

Ryan Darcy came home third, followed by Frank Harper and Brett Haas.

The full-fendered Pro Stock 20-lap event had plenty of excitement as well as the No. 322 of Jay Casey had control early in the event, but Jay Corbin powered his No. 8 to the top spot on lap 16, and led the final four circuits to take the win going away. Victor Hopkins, Chuck Towslee and Robbie Speed rounded out the top 5 finishers.

Ed Hatch, Dan Cote and James Hatch won the purestocks, while Brandon Ely and Todd Goldstein won the 4-cylinder races.

For more information, schedule of events, tickets and more, visit our website at lebanonvalley.com and click on ‘Speedway.'

Bowlers wanted

BENNINGTON -- The Senior Citizen's Mixed Bowling League at Bennington Lanes is looking for bowlers to play in this year's league.

Bowlers must be over 50 to qualify. League matches are held every Friday at 2 p.m. and the season begins on Sept. 7.

There will be a league meeting on Friday, Aug. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Evelyn Rabideau at 518-686-5038, Al Krawczyk at 802-442-2769 or Pete at Bennington Lanes at 802-447-7100.

Benn-Six Bowling

BENNINGTON -- The ladies Benn-Six Bowling League looking for a 5- woman team or five individuals to form a team for Monday nights. The league starts on Monday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. If interested, contact Starr Volkmer at 802-442-3694.

MAU football fundraiser dinner on Aug. 26

BENNINGTON -- The 2012 Mount Anthony Union High School football fundraising dinner is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Bennington Moose Club.

There will be silent and chance auctions for attendees to bid on.

Some of the items include: 100 gallons of fuel from Greene's Oil, a night stay at The Equinox Hotel, a two-hour Land Rover driving experience, gift certificates to many businesses, gift baskets and more. Tickets are $10. For more information or tickets, contact Julie Normyle at 447-1418.

Maple Leaf half marathon

MANCHESTER -- The Maple Leaf Half Marathon and 5K will take place on Sept. 8 in Manchester. The half-marathon begins at 9 a.m. and registration is being capped at 1,000 runners.

The Maple Leaf is honoring the late Manchester Chamber executive director Jay Hathaway, and is being presented by the Perfect Wife Restaurant, the Spiral Press Café, MVP Health Care, Orvis, as well as 40 additional local business partners. All net proceeds from the race will go to local nonprofit organizations and deserving individuals.

To be certain you are able to participate, Google the race online, or call the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce at 802-362-6313 for details.

Youth cheer sign-ups

BENNINGTON -- The Mount Anthony Youth Cheer Association will hold a registration session on Aug. 23 at the Bennington Recreation Center.

The cost is $75 and includes a full uniform and a practice shirt. Children must be present at registration.

Space is limited. MAYCA offers a grades K-6 team for children who can independenlty perform a back walkover.

MAYCA also provides a grades 3-6 team for all children no matter their individual skill level. Practices will be held on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. for September and October. For more info contact Jaime at maycacheer
@comcast.net.

Bowling teams needed

HOOSICK, N.Y. -- The Wednesday International League at the Barbecue is looking to fill 3 five man teams for the upcoming season. Contacts are Louis (518) 686-9651, Jack (518) 686-5751, and Daryl (518) 686-5467.

The Tuesday women's league are looking for bowlers as well. For more information, contact Risa at 518-428-3026, Pat at 518-205-5104 and Jean at 518-686-9817.