Preparations complete, the team set off for Wonthaggi in an optimistic mood with both riders fit and uninjured and the new bikes awaiting a workout in the heat of competition.

New team member Shane Metcalfe was really looking forward to the first Motocross event of the year and proved his pace and competitiveness in qualifying.

"The new bike feels really good… early on in qualifying I was 2nd fastest but I got a little brake fade so pulled in and went out on my second bike.

"Getting back up to speed, I knew I had to go a little faster as everyone really turns it on at the end. So I really put my head down and was looking for a top five time when I highsided and cartwheeled the bike.

"Unfortunately, the crash took a little of the wind out of my sails and I rode too cautiously in the first race. Then the rear brake started to fade and I pulled in. The team changed the brakes on my number one bike and the second race was better. I was circulating in about 12th but started to feel the effects of my old wrist injury. I lost rhythm in the second half and faded to 15th. Not the best result, but at least I’m not hurt and can look forward to Horsham knowing the brake problem is solved."

Teenager Toby Price was competing in his first ever Senior Motocross event and his first event back from breaking his femur at the beginning of last season. "I was about three seconds slower in qualifying than the fastest guy and was gutted to find it only gave me gate 23 or something. There are so many fast guys in this class this year, so I’m really going to work on my starts and technique.

"The bike is going really, really well, and after a first lap crash which left me dead last I worked hard all race to get back to 23rd by the finish – unfortunately out of the points. But it was great to go flat out for a full 30 minutes.

"The team’s unreal – it’s so good to have such professional people around me, encouraging me and helping me see positives in everything we do. And I was faster than all the guys I used to race against in Juniors and they’ve all got a full season of Motocross behind them, so that’s also pretty good.

"I got a shocker of a start in the second race and was about 25th after the first couple of laps. Again I worked hard to get through the field, unfortunately I think I tried too hard in the first race and started to really feel the effects of that with about eight minutes of the second race to go. So I’m going to work even more on my fitness and practice my starts and first corner entry. That should help me be with and stay with the front group. My lap times during the races were really encouraging – 4th or 5th fastest overall. So if I can get to the front I know I can stay there. I can’t wait for Horsham!"

Team Green Co-ordinator Ross McWatters was reasonably pleased with team’s first effort especially as both riders are on the return from injury. "It wasn’t the best weekend overall, but the results don’t reflect the effort put in. Metty qualified well, and after his qualifying crash he’s fortunately unhurt – he’s got a few bruises that’s all. But Metty’s got plenty in reserve and he’ll bounce back at Horsham.

"Toby showed plenty of heart and his lap times are really good – once he gets consistent starts he’ll go well – he’s certainly the quickest youngster out there. Although his best was a 14th, Toby has a natural talent that will no doubt help him to plenty of podiums as his career progresses.

"As a team we worked well and the support from our sponsors has been great – we’re sure it won’t be long until the results start to come in. So thanks to everyone on the team and to our sponsors: Fuchs Silkolene, Michelin, NGK, Thor, AFAM, Akrapovic, Goodridge and Kincrome."