The ‘field’ has turned for home and Birchip is trying to lead all the way.

That is the scenario unfolding in the COVID Cup, a mock event putting western Victorian towns up against each other in a race for vaccination levels.

Bounding from 83 percent in the back straight to 94 percent double-vaccinated, connections can be confident but big finishers are looming large.

Kaniva, at 92 percent, has edged past Harrow, 90 percent, to inject itself into ‘the race that starts the nation’.

Others making big moves include Speed, 88 percent, and Charlton, 86 percent. Both have found rhythm after being at 70 percent early. 

Several runners are showing staying ability and working their way through the field, including Hopetoun, 81 percent, fast-finisher Patchewollock, 80 percent, Miram, 79 percent, Beulah, 79 percent, Murtoa, 74 percent and Rupanyup at 72 percent.

‘Chief stipendiary steward’ Dr Rob Grenfell from Grampians Public Health Unit said he was impressed with Birchip’s attempt to lead from the jump.

“While Birchip community continuously rolls up the sleeves, there’s been a major charge from the Patchewollock community, jumping from 53 to 80 percent in one big move,” he said.

“The stragglers need to realise to get their town across the line, they simply have to get vaccinated.”

Second-dose vaccination levels as of yesterday: Tempy 35 percent, Minimay 53, Serviceton 55, Brim 56, Dadswells Bridge 59, Glenorchy 59, Horsham 3401 59, Lascelles 63, Halls Gap 63, Willaura 63, Jeparit 64, Lake Bolac 64, Horsham 3400 64, Dimboola 65, Edenhope 66, Apsley 66, Marnoo 66, Goroke 67, Nhill 67, Natimuk 67, Ararat 68, Great Western 71, Rupanyup 72, Minyip 72, Donald 72, Murtoa 74, Wycheproof 76, Stawell 76, St Arnaud 77, Warracknabeal 77, Woomelang 78, Beulah 79, Miram 79, Rainbow 79, Patchewollock 80, Hopetoun 81, Watchem 81, Charlton 86, Speed 88, Harrow 90, Kaniva 92 and Birchip 94.

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