Ponoka's Levi Simpson, along with his partner Jeremy Buhler from Arrowwood were the team to beat in team roping on night one of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas Thursday, December 1.

They scored a time of 4.40 seconds and a cheque for $26,230.77

Simpson says he couldn't ask for a better start.

"It was just awesome. I've ran that steer in my head 10-million times. I was just glad to run him in real life tonight. And the way that it went, it couldn't get any better."

Ponoka's Jake Vold was also in the money in bareback as he collected $3,666.66 with a fifth place finish.

The cowboys are back in the saddle for night two Friday, December 2.