Arthur Skinner Challenge Cup won by Southland in 1982......

Veteran horseman Arthur Skinner donated the Arthur Skinner Challenge Cup for a rugby game between provincial trotting drivers.  1982 was the first year it was contested for as Arthur Skinner is not only a well known horseman in the trotting game but also loves the game of rugby and has been heavily involved in the Central rugby scene for many years.

The game between Southland trotting drivers and Mid-Canterbury was played at Browns in very wet conditions.  Southland won the game 18-0 which was due to the hard work put in by their loose trio of Clark Barron, Dave Innes and Bruce McNaught.  Half-back, Brendon McLellan, played well in linking his forwards to the back with his exceptional ball skill in great handling and fast accurate passing.
Billy Heads from Southland got "player of the day" and the reason for the win was the way his forwards contributed good ball to their backs.
The best of the Mid-Canterbury team was half-back, Gregory O'Reilly and centre, Carl Nordqvist.
Maurice Skinner, Arthur's son and president of the New Zealand Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association presented the trophy to the Southland Captain, Barry Todd.
SOUTHLAND:  Barry Todd (2), Clark Barron (1), Stack Austin (1) Dave Larkins (PG) 1

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