MELBOURNE Renegades are without a win after a low-scoring loss against Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash twenty20 competition in WA last night.

Chasing Perth's meagre 117, the Renegades managed just 8-111 after being 0-38.

This follows an opening round loss for the Renegades against Melbourne Stars.

Newcomer Yasir Arafat from Pakistan was a match-winner with 3-15 off his four overs for Perth.

Muthiah Miralidaran took 1-13 off four over for the Renegades and paceman Nathan Rimmington 2-14.

 BURRUMBEET NEW YEAR'S DAY RACES

NOMINATIONS close today for the Burrumbeet races on New Year's Day next Wednesday.

A seven-race program is scheduled.

WEIR CITY TREBLE

BALLARAT'S Darren Weir increased his lead in the Melbourne metropolitan trainers' premiership with a treble at Caulfield yesterday.

This gives him 20 city wins for the season -  four ahead of David Hayes and Peter Moody.

Weir won with three-year-old Rainbow Storm ($7) in the Ken Sturt Handicap, 2000m;  So Hasty ($4.60) in the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap, 1400m; and Flying Hostess ($5 equal favourite) in the Frank O'Brien Handicap, 1600m.

Not everything went to plan for Weir on Boxing Day though.

He saddled up two favourites in country cups  - Chord in the Nhill Cup and Xavier in the Penshurst Cup.

Each ran well below expectations, finishing last.