The North Otago men's side broke a 25-year drought when it brought home the Ian Smith Trophy over the weekend.
The trophy, the symbol of supremacy among the Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury, Central Otago, Eastern Southland, Invercargill and North Otago sides, was last won by North Otago in 1990.
North Otago came through with a 100% record, beating Central Otago 4-1, Invercargill 3-2, Eastern Southland 5-4, Mid Canterbury 4-3 and South Canterbury 2-1.
In addition, five North Otago players made the tournament team: Sam Brocas, Richard Knight, Shaun Cunningham, Josh Dalziel and Jared Ovens. The North Otago team is basically the Tainui club side which plays each week in the South Canterbury league.
Cunningham was ecstatic with the win and he confirmed he had actually played in the 1990 tournament, which was his second season of senior hockey.
- Terry O'Neill
