Auckland's Chris Birch (KTM) was unstoppable at the third round of five in this year's 2010 New Zealand Enduro Championships in the Riverhead Forest, near Auckland, on Sunday.
The latest trans-Tasman sporting battle was a real see-saw affair but, in the end, the visiting Australians seemed to have all the heavyweights where it counted.
Nurturing a child's talent - in anything - is a parent's prerogative. When that ability is in a sport such as motocross and is exceptional, miles travelled and money invested can certainly add up.
International talent will pour fuel onto the fire of an already scorching national enduro championships at the third round of five in the series near Auckland this weekend.
The second round of the Italian Motocross champs, held at the picturesque city of Castiglione del Lago, has produced a setback for factory Aprilia racer, Josh Coppins.