By Amanda Durry  January 11 2010

The Matt Morrison Memorial Trophy has been kept in the South Island for another year, despite being hotly contested at a New Brighton Power Boat Club event on Saturday.

The trophy is the second biggest in the country and 23 drivers fought it out for the title at Lake Hood in front of a good crowd of spectators.

 The trophy was won by Paul Burtenshaw in Provocative, followed by Andy Morris in Desert Storm and defending champion John Ryan in Dancing Bear Too was third.

 Two other races were also close fought affairs, the South Island Pro Stocks and the King of the Lake.

 Steve Pope in Vatican was crowned the king, followed by Mike Harvey in Aquanaut and Andy Morris in Desert Storm.

Pope also posted the fastest lap, with Harvey coming second and Craig Stevenson was third in Kaos.

 The 2nd Ten Fastest was won by Richard Smith in Balistic, Chris Henderson in Ballz Out was second and Stevenson was third.

 Mike Wotton in Bowtie Boogie took out the pro stock, with Burtenshaw coming in second and Cameron Davis coming in third in The Toy.

 Driver Craig Stevenson was also one of the organisers, and said it was a successful day.

 “Because of the success, we’re intending on making it an annual event. Wind was a bit of a factor but we drive in all sorts of weather so we just drive to the conditions. It was great to see the spectators interacting with the drivers and enjoying themselves as well.

 “The fact is, if it wasn’t for the great local sponsors the event wouldn’t have gone ahead.”

 Drivers are now heading to the Masport Cup in two weeks before the upcoming nationals begin in February.

Pictured: It’s a close race between Andy Morris in Desert Storm (foreground) and Balistic driven by Richard Smith. - Photo Sarah Chamberlain 090110-SC-479