Defence mode was the name of the game for Motorex KTM’s Todd Waters at Appin’s sixth round of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals Australian Motocross Championship.

Following surgery to mend a broken collarbone just two weeks ago, Waters made a gritty return to the track and salvaged a 10th place overall finish in the premier MX1 class.

Waters rode a smart race and left Appin with the a slim four-point championship lead over round winner Matt Moss, he now looks forward to a much needed weekend off in preparation for Hervey Bay’s seventh round.

“We purely rode in defence mode today,” said Waters. “The medical guys went to great care to tell me exactly what was at risk today if I crashed on it, so we kept it together and got through able to walk away from it.

“So now I’m looking forward to Hervey Bay in a fortnight’s time. I’ll have a week off then get back into the riding and hopefully go out on the track and start feeling like myself again.”

Waters is grateful to team manager Rob Twyerould who has played a pivotal role in keeping Waters focused and on track during these tough times.

“I want to say a massive thanks to Rob – we’ve had some misfortune come our way but he’s always been so supportive which has made my job easier to focus on the things that matter,” he explained.

“I really like working with him and my mechanic Ryan [Dekert], they back me 100 percent and I hope to get back up there and reward them for it.”

The Queenslander admits there was pain in the injured area, but it was muscle fatigue that was the main issue during the gruelling 30-minute motos.

“There was a bit of pain today but you’ve gotta deal with that sometimes, it was more the muscle fatigue that was bothering me,” he added.

Waters pushing through the pain and leaving the event with the points lead impressed Twyerould, although he admits that with minimal preparation the strength needed was not there.

“Todd came in with a substantial injury management issue so the goal was to survive and grab points,” Twyerould said. “The choice to ride today was totally up to him and it was a Herculean effort.

“He’s very good at disguising how hurt he is but he admitted the strength just wasn’t there as he hasn’t been allowed to train, or do anything that could make him sweat, for the last two weeks.

“Todd always expects more of himself but to get through like that when there was always a risk of further damage and come away still with the championship lead is a fantastic effort.”

Click here for more details on Waters’ recent collarbone injury situation.