Seven-year-old in historic motocross win
Koketso Kgoboge | Tuesday October 18, 2016 16:52
Berrie competed in the MX50 and held a healthy 25 points lead at the start of the day, ahead of nine-year-old Jordan Dewdney and needed a point position finish to take the title. Despite a dominant day from the young Zimbabwean, Berrie kept his cool and the writing was on the wall.
Dewdney came with guns blazing. He finished first in all the three hits and Berrie comfortably sat on his tail in a two-boy affair and won overall with 176 points to Dewdney’s 160 and Declan Barrett finished third with 90 points.
“I am happy I have won. I had fun in the track,” the young Berrie said after the last heat. The best was saved for last in the MX1. The six-time SAC winner Branch who came into the race with a slim six point lead ahead of Zimbabwe’s Luke Wheelar and the former showcased why he remains the regional best in motocross. He finished with a dominant 120 points ahead of Wheelar on 54 and Louw Schimdt on 51.
In the first two heats, Branch was dominant but the last heat was a marvel to watch. The duel’s contest left spectators astonished. The two racers showed class with a wheel to wheel race. However, at the end Branch grabbed the chequered flag and won. Branch said it was special to win at home in front of his supporters and sponsors.
“Thanks to my supporters, my sponsors KTM, Pick ‘n Pay and Armstrong Attorneys. It wouldn’t be possible without their support,” he said. “The pressure was overwhelming, but racing is what I do and I am doing it for my country and it is special to win it (SAC) here. My plan is to keep going until I reach even more greater heights.”
Another Motswana competing in SAC, Clayton Davis on MX2 finished third on 51 points. Meanwhile, after settling quickly at the Dumela Circuit the team from Zimbabwe Motosport team put up a spectacle of a show. The team chairperson, Gary Grainger appreciated the set up and the atmosphere. “We had an awesome day today,” he said. “We put a lot of effort in preparing for this weekend and we turned up. We did not expect this kind of a race, but the organisers here did a perfect job and the competition was superb. With a bit of improvement there is no doubt this circuit can hold a continental championship.”