Bill Begg predicts South Canterbury skaters have a tough task ahead if they are to retain the Unity Shield. South Canterbury skaters will have home ground advantage as the club begins its quest for a record ninth win in the sports' overall points New Zealand championship. "We will face a tough task to retain the trophy, with a big challenge from their biggest rivals Wanganui and Nelson. "The hardest grade is the girls 9-11 years with 18 competitors coming from Wanganui, Hamilton, Nelson, Blenheim to compete against our eight South Canterbury girls." South Canterbury skaters will then travel to Hamilton for the NZ Bank Track championships on February 8-9.

Source: Stuff December 29, 2019 22:30 UTC