Everton clash: big crowd likely

Press, 22 May 1987, Page 32

Everton clash: big crowd likely

By

GARY BIRKETT

The organiser of the Everton v. Canterbury soccer match at Queen Elizabeth II Park, Laurie Blyth, is confident of attracting a crowd of over 10,000 to the match. Mr Blyth, who has put up over $lOO,OOO to bring Everton to Christchurch for the match on May 30, said early ticket sales “looked promising” and he anticipated a rush on tickets next week.

Tickets are priced at $l2 for adults and $5 for children aged 13-17. Children under 13 will be admitted free of charge. Mr Blyth said tickets for an evening function after the game at the Civic Regency had been selling very fast. On the day of the match the gates will open at 11 a.m. and a match between former Christchurch United players and former All Whites will be played. That will be followed by a mini-decathlon athletics event, involving leading Christchurch sports personalities and other celebrities.

There will also be displays by a pipe band and marching girls. The main match will kick off at 2 p.m. After its 3-2 win over Auckland the Canterbury team should put up a respectable showing against Everton, the English first- division champions. Everton will arrive in New Zealand next Tuesday and will train in Auckland on Wednesday before flying to Chrlschurch on Thursday morning.