Waikato riders make mark in student event

‘‘It’s what we like doing and they are all giving it 100 per cent.’’

Waikato schools were a force to be reckoned with at Hauraki Plains College’s first motocross tournament last weekend.

More than 200 school-based riders from 40 schools around the North Island took part in six competitive classes at the tournament at the Slater Motocross Park in Huntly, designed to help boost the sport of motocross among school students.

Hamilton Boys’ High School students dominated, with Daniel Curtis taking out the beginners 85cc class while Josiah Natzke won the 85cc class at the pro level and Ayden Dunn was victorious in the 250cc pro class.

Kieran Rooney, from Putaruru College, won the beginners 125cc and 250cc classes and Adam Curran, from Matamata College, won in intermediate 125cc class.

Hauraki Plains College motocross captain Kent Morley said it was good to compete against other schools. ‘‘It’s what we like doing and they are all giving it 100 per cent. Plus there was a good turnout, there were heaps of people.’’

The college started with five riders seven years ago and now has 33 competitors, including lone girl Alivia Singer, who was second in the girls’ events.

Morley, who is also the leading national age-group rider at his level, said he was happy with the venue. ‘‘I like everything to be fair, also it gets the kids out of the clay and onto dirt which is easier for the beginners,’’ he said.

Top Kiwi motocross rider Michael Phillips helped out at the track.

‘‘It’s good to see these sorts of competitions because it gives a chance for novice riders to get out there and give it a go,’’ he said.

A second round of the competition will be held on the Patetonga peat in October.