N.I. WINS SCRAMBLE TITLE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31317, 13 March 1967, Page 14

N.I. WINS SCRAMBLE TITLE

“The Press” Special Sereice TIMARU.

The North Island beat the South by six points, the closest margin ever —in the inter - island teams’ scramble championship at Lyalldale, near Timaru, yesterday afternoon. Trailing for most of the afternoon, the northern team fought back to gain an eightpoint advantage with one

event to run, and although it dropped two points in this race, it won through in the final analysis by 273 points to 267.

The meeting was climaxed by a thrilling race in the 500 c.c. class. If the south could fill most of th e major placings it could clinch its second championship win in 11 years. G. Stapleton (Christchurch) who had raced admirably throughout the day f° r him ’ self and for his team, was the main hope. N. Currie and A. Sabiston (Christchurch) and N. Miller (Blenheim) were also expected to figure prominently.

However it was the North Island pair, L. Petti (Dannevirke) and M. Shirriffs (Longburn) who cleared out over the first two laps. Stapleton pressed strongly, but the teamwork of the northerners was such that he could make little impression.

It was a desperation move tn the third lap which finally gave Stapleton the lead. He startled the others, sweeping past on a dangerous downhill drop, and a great cheer rose from around the circuit.

Meanwhile, Miller. Sabiston and Currie were improving their positions further back. Stapleton clung to his lead tenaciously to receive the chequered flag, but Shirrins and Petti finished second and third and R. Davey (Taumaru-

nui) finished fifth to ensure the north of ultimate victory. . Miller. Sabiston. Currie and R. M. Happer (Dunsandel) finished fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth—too far behind to help the cause. Stapleton, on his C.Z., was top-scorer throughout the 15race series with 34 points. I. Boorer, of Tlmaru (350 c.c. class), was second with 31. and the Christchurch riders, Currie and Holland each had 20. For the north. G. Terry (Rangiotu) scored 20. C. Buchanan (Palmerston North) 28, and D. McLaren (Hamilton) 27.

The series was decided on the basis of eight points for a win, seven for second, and so on. down to one for eighth. Five races were held In each of the three classes.

North won the 250 c.c. class 91 points to 89, and the 350 c.c.. 114 to 66. South won the 500 c.c. section 112 to 68.