They travelled north in their numbers and left with a lion’s share of the glory.

Riders from the South Island dominated the Leatt and Fox Brigade-sponsored New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships in Tokoroa over the Easter weekend.

Takaka’s Hamish Harwood, Rangiora’s Micah McGoldrick, Palmerston’s Courtney Duncan, and Rangiora’s James Ree each secured national titles at the three-day event, while Australian visitor Jesse Dobson completed the misery for the proud North Island riders, with only Hamilton’s Josiah Natzke and Mangakino’s Maximus Purvis able to salvage some honour for residents north of Cook Strait.

Harwood comfortably won the 14-16 years’ 250cc class title, finishing the weekend 23 points ahead of Rotorua’s Haki Waller and Auckland’s Brandon Tipene, the joint runners-up.

McGoldrick held firm in a fierce battle for 15-16 years’ 125cc class honours, eventually beating dual-class hero Harwood by just three points.

“I came here hoping to win one title and winning two would have been a bonus but it was just too hard to race two classes. I’m thrilled to win the 250cc title though,” said Harwood.

Dobson finished ahead of Silverdale’s Henry Griffith in the 12-14 years’ 125cc class, while Duncan dominated the 13-16 years’ 855 class, winning that from Kumeu’s Chase Smith.

Waikato’s Natzke was virtually unstoppable in the 11-12 years’ 85cc class, winning four of his five races and leaving Australian Hunter Lawrence eating his dust.

Ree was the top rider in the 9-16 years’ 150cc class, while Purvis dominated the 8-10 years’ 85cc class, winning the title ahead of Te Puke’s Jordan Milsom.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

Full story and more photos in your next issue of KIWI RIDER magazine.

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