Southland former player, Neil Pasco playing for Otago in softball in 1972.......

Southland was third in the Jefferies Cup held in Invercargill in 1972.  Canterbury won the South Island softball trophy by beating Otago and Southland in the main games.

The key players in the Canterbury team were: Derek Phillips, his brother Gordon Phillips, Brian Mountford, Dennis Rea, Dale Eager.
Southland opened their campaign with an easy win over Marlborough 10-0.
John Purdue, Jamie Campbell and Bill Somerville were the top batters with Barry Patton pitching the first three innings conceding only 1 hit and gaining three strikeouts.
Garth Tattersfield pitched the last two innings for a return of 1 strikeout and no runs.
The next game up saw them lose the to eventual winners; Canterbury, 1-0.
It was more that Southland lost the game than won it with three errors to Canterbury's one.
Noel Eade was the best batter with two runs.
Southland lost to Otago 3-4 in their final game of the day.  Eade was again in the top batters with Peter McDougall and Graham Stevens each taking one.
Otago was the pre tournament favourite but did not emerge the strength thought, they were well beaten by Canterbury, with their top pitcher; Peter Roberts not performing to his potential.
Former Canterbury player Craig Phillips and Southland player Neil Pasco were the best of Otago's attack.

Reference:  Latta, G. Canterbury Has Deserved Win In Jefferies Cup.  The Southland                      Times. December 4 1972.