South chances slim in inter-island scramble

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 24

South chances slim in inter-island scramble

(By out motor-cycling reporter) The annual inter-island scrambling match, to be held at the Lyalldale circuit, eight miles south of Timaru, on Sunday, promises to be the highlight of the season. But chances of the South Island improving its rather unimpressive record appear slim.

The South Island has won this event only once, and that was back in 1958.

It has been close to victory on a number of occa-sions—-it lost by only six points when the event was last held at Lyalldale, in 1967—but the North, because of its larger motor-cycle population, has always had greater depth of ability. The two teams that will face the starter on Sunday are probably the strongest so far, and there should be some spectacular racing. But North must be a strong favourite.

Since last year's match at New Plymouth, there have been some alterations to the classes. The 250 c.c. and 350 c.c. classes have been replaced by two separate groups for riders on machines up to 350 c.c., but this is unlikely to benefit the South. Beacuse of their superior power-to-weight ratio, 250 c.c. machines will be used by practically every competitor in each of the groups, and this will only serve to further emphasise the greater depth in the North Island.

In the up to 350 ex. groups, the South’s hopes rest mainly with the outstanding Christchurch scrambler, G. J. Stapleton, who was the top New Zealander in the international moto-cross series last season. He has proved himself to be the best rider in the South Island this season, and leads every class in the South Is-

land championships. He also holds several national titles. His main rival from the North should be the New Zealand representative, M. Shirriffs (Palmerston North). Shirriffs will be mounted on a new Japanese Yamaha. 500 C.C. CLASS It is difficult to imagine anything but victory for the North in the 500 c.c. class. H. R. Anderson (Ohinewai), A. Collison (Palmerston North), and P. Pleen (Palmerston North) provide the North with an exceptionally strong spearhead, and with the McLaren brothers, Ross and Doug, from Hamilton, also racing, there is plenty of strength below. But the South should still make its presence felt R. Austin (Ashburton) has been in fine form this season on his 360 c.c. C.Z., and the two Christchurch riders, A. Sabiston and G. Holland, have both scored impressive successes recently. Sabiston finished first equal with Collison in the New Zealand open scramble championship at Dunedin, and Holland added the South Island open

T.T. title to his already impressive list. The return of B. Roberts, a former national champion, from overseas, should also give the South greater strength. A. G. Reid (Christchurch), injured an arm in a crash during practice on Wednesday evening, and his place in the team has been taken by A. B. Meikle (Invercargill). The competition will be decided over 18 races with points allocated on an eight to one basis. Competitors will practise on Saturday.