MOTORSPORT - Oh brother: Duo tough out rough conditions in forest

Damon, 18, was outstanding throughout the series and claimed third place in the E1 class (0-200cc two-stroke) riding his Husqvarna, while older brother Mitchell, 21, was tied for third place in the E2 class (up to 250cc four-stroke) but on countback, moved into fourth position overall.
The brothers agreed the five-hour 19-minute course was challenging, with tree stumps and logs keeping competitors on their toes, especially in the wet and slippery conditions.
Although difficult, they said it was a really enjoyable event, up against a tough field, with top riders contesting the fourth and final stage of the national series.
Wellington's Rory Mead on his Yamaha topped the field, winning the expert class, with Auckland's Karl Power in second and Chris Birch, who won the Waimiha stage on Sunday, in third.
The brothers will be back on their motorbikes this weekend in the third of four rounds of the national cross-country championships at Nelson.
After rounds one and two at Waipukurau and Christchurch respectively, it is hard to tell where Damon and Mitchell are ranked overall, as it is a best-of-three competition.
"After this weekend's round at Nelson, we will have a better idea of where they are in the overall standings," the boys' mother Kiri Nield said.
At Waipukurau, Damon was placed fifth and then managed a second place at Christchurch, while Mitchell also placed fifth at round one and fourth in Christchurch.
Provided they produce good results during the three-hour event at Nelson, followed by the fourth and final event at Ashhurst in three weeks, they will hopefully be in line for a podium finish in their respective classes.
Also crammed into their calendar is the Red Bull Enduro X race at Britomart in Auckland in two weeks.
Only 35 riders are taking place but it will be a huge spectacle and advertisement for the sport, with riders having to manoeuvre their way around an obstacle course providing huge entertainment.
The boys manage a busy race schedule, travelling thousands of kilometres a year to events around the country, Kiri Nield said.
Mitchell runs his own building business and Damon works for him, allowing the pair to train during the week and race most weekends.
Damon and Mitchell's younger sister Cassidy, 13, also rides and contests Enduro and Moto-X junior divisions.