N.Z. loses speedway test by one point

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 14

N.Z. loses speedway test by one point

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Amid unprecedented scenes at the Western Springs Speedway last night, Britain beat New Zealand by one point to take a 2-1 lead in the test series. New Zealanders had to finish first and second in the final heat to give their team a win, and they actually did this, amid a tremendous roar from the big crowd. But the British protested that G. Stapleton had fouled Hunter, who protested, and this was later upheld by the stewards, who disqualified the New Zealander. So, instead of celebrating a tremendous victory, the New Zea-1 landers had to bemoan their onepoint loss, 54-53. It was a tremendous test, with the results always in doubt. Britain won the test by dis-1 , playing superior anticipation and i ; speed from the gate. At one I stage the New Zealand manager. Mr R. Facoory, issued an ultimatum that if Hunter continued ito beat the starts a public apology would be demanded. The condition of the track came under criticism from the competitors, but it was obvious that it had suffered from the heavy downpour on Saturday ■ night. When the victorious British team appeared for the lap of honour, they were greeted with boos, catcalls, and just a few cheers.

Individual scores were:— Britain—N. Boocock 0, R. Kilby 15. A. Haley 14, E. Broadbelt 7, C. Pusey 9, G. Hunter 8, T. Sweetman (reserve) 1. New Zealand.— l. Mauger 13, R.' Wright 4, R. Moore 11. G. Stapleton 12. G. Peterson 8, R. Andrews 2. B. Subritzky (reserve) 1.