Inter-island clash

Press, 31 March 1983, Page 15

Inter-island clash

Can the South Island achieve the seemingly impossible and beat the northern challengers in the annual inter-island motocross clash at Timaru this Easter? The selector for the South Island, Mr Bill Campbell, of Christchurch, has announced a star-studded line-up which seeks to defy history. When the southern squad lifted the trophy two years ago, it was for only the second time in the 24-year history of the North vs. South Motocross. In 1982,

the honours again went north. This time, Mr Campbell seeks to play a trump card with the inclusion of a golden veteran — 35-year-old Graeme Stapleton, of Christchurch. One of New Zealand’s top riders on the international scene a decade ago. Stapleton has since been involved in world-class speedway before retiring home. His inclusion in the open class, which needs bolstering, will be the talking point of the event. The South’s 250 class chances look bright with leadership from the national resident champion, Warren Timpson, of Christchurch. But in the 125 section the southerners were taken to the cleaners last year and no new names have emerged. The team is: Open class.—Stephen Oliver, Graeme Stapleton, Greg Sherratt (Christchurch), Marty Mclntyre (Gore), Dean Bond (Balclutha), Trevor King (Dunedin), Neil Boniface (Invercargill). 250 class—Warren Timpson, Grant Oliver, Graham Brown (Christchurch), Graertie Allan (Parnassus), Marty Marshall (Ashburton), David Latha (Balclutha), Gordon Parks (Dunedin). 125 class.—Phil Morgan (Christchurch), Kerry Reeves (Rangiora), Bazz McLaughlin (Dunsandel), Kenny Simmons (Blenheim), Dean Veitch (Dunedin), Jim Drain (Invercargill), Brian Jacobs (Balclutha).