SOCCER GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23428, 18 August 1939, Page 7

SOCCER GAME

TROPHY CHALLENGE AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON; BLANDFORD PARK ATTRACTION KEEN STRUGGLE ANTICIPATED The old Soccer rivals, Auckland and Wellington, will meet for the second . time this season at -Bl'andford Park to-morrow, when the local representa-; tives will defend tlie English Trophy,, which is symbolic of the New Zealand provincial premiership. About a month ago Wellington made a sti-ong bid for the trophy, being defeated by a margin of one goal, but it is anticipated thsfc|f the southerners will make a greasyimproved showing on this occasion, as their team has been strengthened both, in the forwards and backs. Although the playing surface is likely to bo sodden, both teams have shown previously that they can adjust themselves to heavy underfoot conditions. In view of the spectacular exhibition produced I)s' their first meeting, followers of the code will expect an even better display when the teams take the field tomorrow. Tho inclusion of Yeoman and Jeffrey should add strength to tho "Wellington defence, tho lattor being well remembered for sorno virile exhibitions at Blandford Park. Noted for his bard tackling and determined running, ho should prove a thorn in the side of the Auckland the forward line also, which showed weaknesses oil (lie last occasion on which Wellington played here, improvements have been effected/ Regret will be felt that (he two speedy Waterside forwards, McCarthy and Walker, ■were forced to withdraw at the last moment, bnl from players such as Longbottoni, Edmunds, Baker and Craig, the dashing Well- • ington centre, Leslie, can expect great- assistance. Heavy conditions suit Leslie, and it would not be surprising to see him give another outstanding display.

The fact that several men in the Auckland defence arc suffering from injuries and will bo unable to play has presented a problem for tho selector, Mr. A. P. Neesham. It was known earlier that Speed would not be available, but advice was received last oven- - ing that both Cleal and Jones would not be fit enough to take the field. deal's absence will bo greatly felt, as he has proved a dominant figure so far this season. An outstanding exponent of the thirdback game, he has proved a bulwark on defence, while his powerful clearing kicks and neat, passes have assisted the Auckland forwards. Sims, of Y.M.C.A., has been chosen for the right-half position, and Rouse, of - Ponsonby. for the left-half berth, while Hooten, the dependable Comrades player, will operate at centre. The selector has not yet decided on his fullback and forward forma- • tions, one playor having to bo omitted in each division. The Wellington team will arrive this morn.ing and will stay at the Thistle Hotel. The principal game will start at 3 p.m., while a curtain-raiser between the MetroCollege and North .Shore third grade intermediate sides will commence at 1.15 p.m. The local senior grade championship will be suspended. The teams for the English Trophy game, are as,follows:— WELLINGTON Goalkeeper.—Turkington. Fullbacks. —Yeoman and Haines. Halves.—Gates, Jeffrey and -Boyes. $ Forwards. —Edmunds, Baker, Leslie, Longbottom and Craig, Reserve?-—Simon. AUCKLAND Goalkeeper.—Warren. y Fullbacks.—-Rifcgans, McKenna and. West (oao to be omitted). , ; ■ Halves.—Sims, Hooten, Rouse. . - Forwards.—Robinson, McCallum,'' Stevetison, Needham,' Fyfie' and Woods (one to bo omitted). • ~ - - - ' OLD BOYS* FIXTURE ; "; The following Soccer team will represent the Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys' Association in the annual match agsinst the school eleven, to be played 1 at the school' grounds to-day, commencing at 1.30 p.m.:— McDonald, HedJey, Housby, O. Turley, H. Horrocks. Walbron, S. Horrocks, J. Boddy, Shaw, B. Turley, Meltzer.