Tackling the warm conditions head-on, Houli impressed Essendon Fitness Coach, Joel Hocking, with his impressive display throughout the 3km elimination event, named in honour of Ron Clarke’s brother Jack who played 263 games for Essendon.
""Bachar ran a smart race, just as he did the last time he ran in this event,"" Joel Hocking said.
""He didn’t try to chase people down and pushed hard with 400 metres to go.
""Bachar is obviously in good condition but he is one of those blokes that never lets himself get out of condition.
""So the type of run that he was able to do on the weekend was in a lot of respects expected. We expected him to do well.""
Essendon competed against six local Premiership teams from Geelong, along with a team of local umpires from the area.
Angus Monfries, Brent Stanton, Bachar Houli, Heath Hocking, Henry Slattery all placed well for the Bombers but were unable to overcome the formidable attack launched by Ocean Grove Football Club who claimed victory on the day.
