Extra jumps for Woodville’s motocross grand prix

Spectators will get even more thrills than usual at the annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix next weekend.

Organisers the Manawatu Orion Motor Cycle Club have changed the course this year and added a few more jumps, which should make it more exciting for the expected 4000 fans.

Woodville is the biggest motocross event in the country and should have about 550 riders coming for the two-day competition.

National league returns

National league football returns to Palmerston North next weekend for the first time in four years, but it won’t be a Manawatu team.

Hawke’s Bay United will play premiership cellar dwellers Tasman United at Memorial Park on Sunday as a way of spreading the national league across the central zone.

There are three Manawatu players in the Hawke’s Bay team in Fin Milne, Sean Liddicoat and Cory Chettleburgh.

There hasn’t been a national league team in Palmerston North since Youngheart Manawatu were culled in 2013.

Impressive youngster

Palmerston North’s Tyler Laubscher has attracted the attention of sevens guru Gordon Tietjens.

Laubscher, who will be a year 12 pupil at Palmerston North Boys’ High this year, was called into the Samoa sevens training camp in Mount Maunganui as part of the side’s preparation for the Wellington sevens.

There were 18 players involved in the camp, but Laubscher missed the cut when the squad was reduced to 12.