19 July 2024 – The call went out 24 hours ahead, as the ice conditions were perfect for the Naseby Curling Council to host the Baxter Cup, one of the oldest trophies in New Zealand sport. Named after David Baxter, a founding member of the Dunedin Curling Club, the Baxter Cup was first contested in Dunedin in 1884.

The event must be played on natural ice, and with unfavourable conditions in recent years there has been a seven-year hiatus since the last time the cup was contested in 2017.

Over 80 keen curlers from ten Naseby Council Clubs descended on Naseby and relished the ice conditions for a superb day of curling on the outdoor ice of Centennial Ponds. Each club entered two teams, with each team playing one 21-end game in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Ranfurly Curling Club with four wins and 81 points were the day's victors – last winning the Cup in 1980. Naseby Curling Club were runners-up with three wins and 79 points, just ahead of Garibaldi in third with three wins and 75 points.

It was a stunning Central Otago day with brilliant ice, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success.

• History of the Baxter Cup

The next generation

Ranfurly Curling Club with the Baxter Cup