Moore Will Be Gain To S.L

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 13

Moore Will Be Gain To S.L

The former world champion, Ronnie Moore, is the surprise inclusion in the South Island solo motor-cycle team to meet the North in a special match race series at the Templeton Speedway on Saturday night.

This unexpected move could result in the South avenging its narrow defeat in the last inter-island contest at Templeton two seasons ago.

Moore, who has already made two appearances at Templeton this season after a lay-off of three years forced on him by a serious accident, cannot yet be expected to produce the form which won him two world championships. But if his rate of improvement so far is any indication, he should be untroubled to score maximum points for the South Island. He could also threaten the long standing track records if conditions are suitable.

The remainder of the South Island riders are no sluggards either. M. Burt, a former New Zealand champion and runner-up this year. T. Black, a leading first division rider, and A. Brown, runner-up for the national title last season, should be at least the equal of their northern counterparts. Heading the North Island team is the reigning New Zealand champion, R. Andrews, an English first division rider at present living in New Zealand. He is the only one likely to upset the South’s bid for supremacy, although he will have to produce exceptional form to beat Moore. Duckworth a Danger R. Duckworth, the holder of the Templeton one-lap and four-lap records, will be the North’s second string rider. He is an extremely stylish competitor. When he was competing at Templeton a few seasons ago, he was more than a match for the local riders. Not even I. Maugher, the Christchurch international, has been able to beat his times since. However, the surface of the track has changed and the local riders have improved considerably. The outcome could well depend on whether Duckworth can reproduce the form he showed at Templeton two years ago.

The two other members of the North team are B. Subritsky and J. Millen, both riders of undeniable ability. The entire North Island team consists of Auckland riders.