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INTERNATIONALS - SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa v Britain

1977-78
Originally it was thought that a 4-match South Africa v Britain unofficial Test series may have been held - a match at Wembley (Johannesburg) and 2 matches at the Mahem Stadium in Pretoria (all in December 1977), plus a final match at the Goodwood Showgrounds at Cape Town (in February 1978). Four meetings – two at Wembley and two at Mahem – were held in December 1977 that were classified as international as they featured British League riders Peter Prinsloo, Nig Close, Bert Harkins and Benny Rourke. These meetings were an individual championship at each track and two league matches – Wembley v Pretoria and Pretoria v Wembley. Reports from Bert Harkins (in Speedway Star), Benny Rourke (in Speedway Mail), local publications, the Rand Daily Mail, Johannesburg Star, the Citizen and the Pretoria News and the Wembley match programme of 9th December, carry no mention of Test matches held at the December international meetings, whilst clerk of the course Alex Hughson denies any such matches were ever staged”.
11.02 : Cape Town (Goodwood Showgrounds) South Africa beat Overseas Stars (Att: 12,000)
Peter Prinsloo 12 Bert Harkins
Arthur Bruins Nig Close?
Brian Stephen
Alex Hughson rode in this match, though not sure for which team. Roni Ferguson may have ridden also.
All of the above information was supplied by Ken MacLeod, David Austin, and Alex Hughson. Many thanks.

© Brian Collins