N.Z. SOCCER TITLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 139, 14 June 1935, Page 13

N.Z. SOCCER TITLE.

CHAMPIONS CHALLENGED.

WELLINGTON V. AUCKLAND,

BLANDFOKD PARK TO-MORROW.

Everything is in readiness for the meeting of Wellington and Auckland on Blandford Park to-morrow, when the premiership of New Zealand Soccer is at stake. The challengers arrived this morning and are reported to be exceptionally tit and determined to win. It is many seasons since a team from the capital embarked on this same mission with such determination to win among the players, and carrying tho complete confidence of the southern supporters, as the present selection possesses.- It is ajeo many years since a team selection for interprovineial football has met with the same unanimity as has the Wellington side, chosen by Mr. G. F. Acts, who is with the team in Auckland. Critics in the capital have been loud in their praise of Mr. Aers' wisdom in pinning his faith to young blood, with just that wise leavening of experience and knowledge to blend successfully with youth and vigour. The Soccer writer of the '"Post"' lias this to say: '

"There is no denying that Mr. Aera lias made a good job of his selection. His confidence i" the younger brigade is hardly likely to be misplaced, and even if the trophy is hot won the experience gained by the players will stand them in good j stead in future club and representative caines this season. Turkington is the logical choice for the . goal-keeper's, position, but the backs must have presented ;i greater difficulty, as Wellington is well supplied with good defensive players. Miles and Hainee may have their equals, but few will contend that they have .superiors. The half line comes as no surprise to those •with a knowledge of this season's form. Todd, Longbottom and Cocks i could hardly have been passed, considering I the excellence of the football they have j been playing. Criticism, if any, will be chiefly directed against the forwards, though it would be difficult to select a better five. Tho selector has apparently acted on the commendable principle of I giving youth its chance, both in filling the centre-forward berth and the two inside positions. Hatchard. the young inside left. has risen to prominence in exceptionally rapid time. He is a heady player, who is well worth his place. E. Kershaw, in the , inside right position, is a more forceful type, who should also do well. The versatile Jeff cry is an ideal man for the reserve position. Auckland will need a good team to retain the trophy." ■• Auckland Has No Easy Task. ■Aucklanders realise that they have no easy taek to retain the F.A. Trophy, which they have held since 1926 with the exception of but two seasons, and the selector, Mr. W. Zuill, has found in his team a praiseworthy readiness and enthusiasm- to leave'nothing to chance. The team to a man mustered again last evening at Blandford Park for final training and coaching. Mr. Leo Munro, chairman of the A.F.A., was also present and was deeply impressed with the workmanlike methods adopted in the preparation of the players, all vofj whom are in the pink of condition. The i eleven will take the field as chosen, and it I is certain the deficiencies in regard to tactical play and understanding .which were so marked in the recent game against J the Navy, will be eliminated and replaced by carefully-cultivated team work that will be difficult to resist. The ground con-ditions-will necessarily be soft, and the j going consequently hard, but on inspec-1 tion last evening the playing area was , found to have stood up to the heavy rains of the week surprisingly well. Drainage lias functioned splendidly and it is not expected that combination and ball control will be affected to the extent of former years. The teams will be.: — Wellington. Turkington Miles Haines Todd Longbottom Cocks Nicholle Kershaw Janes Hatchard Craig O "Kay Farnan Riggan's DuYismore Wqo3S •■ Walters Wright W, WatsonSpeed Gerrard !•';;.■ A. Watson Auckland. The New Zealand Referees' Association, in the selection of a referee for the match, has departed from precedent and has chosen a. neutral official in Mr. E. Marsh, of Hamilton. Mr. Marsh is a New Zealand badge holder and is considered one of the most efficient in the Dominion. He I officiated at the Auckland provincial final of the Chatham Cup competition last season, and visitors from Auckland who saw the Auckland and South Auckland finalists play* were greatly impressed with the' qualities of Mr. Marsh's refereeing. Messrs. A. Firth and G. Shand will be linesmen. The question of an early match as a curtain-raiser has not yet been finally decided, and whether the 1.30 game' between Mount Albert and Auckland Grammar Schools' elevens will take place will depend on the state of the playing area. It is many years since such keen interest has centred in a Wellington challenge, which is due to the unusually determined efforts trhat have been made in the south to wrest the New Zealand title from Auckland. NEW LYNN. Fifth Grade.—Warwick, Parker Vear, T-ord, Glover; Burrows, Munro. Ufflndell, Kent,' Chalmers, McCurdy, Smith.