F.A. TROPHY MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 226, 24 September 1929, Page 14

F.A. TROPHY MATCH.

WELLINGTON'S VISIT. DETERMINED TO WIN. BUT AUCKLAND WILL HAVE A SA - ! (j. Another, and the last, attemt this season will be made on Satui day by the Wellington representative to -wrest the premiership of Nd Zealand Soccer from Auckland, where i lias remained for the past four season uninterruptedly. Since 1926, when th Football Association at Home presente the handsome and valuable trophy, Auck hind has held the position of supremac and has never suffered defeat in inter provincial games. Wellington has mad several desperate attempts to captur the blue riband of the code, and at th invitation of the local association will b given a final opportunity on Saturda; next. This decision was arrived a' mostly owing to the fact that on th last occasion of the meeting of the team he ground conditions at Blandford Pari were such that neither side was seen t< advantage, though the game was one o the best witnessed here for years. Wit! every prospect of a hard, dry turf oi Saturday the outlook is extremely bright and a great game is assured. Wellington on the sodden conditions last game showed brilliant footwork and were ; fast and reliable side. The team pub lished yesterday is strengthened in manj respects, and .Aucklanders may be pos sesscd of a ajbniewhat false sense o: security in view of the local team's greal record. The inclusion of Campbell al centre-half brings into action the besl half-back- in the capital. He is considered by many to be unsurpassed in tin .Dominion. Hooper, at right back, in plact of Gibb, has evidently been selected with an eye to the prolific scoring propensities of Kay and the strength of the combination of the Thistle left wing. Jeffrey, right-half, is stated to be one of the most deadly tacklera in the game, and here again no doubt the opposition has been the guiding influence in the choice. Jeffrey is from the Hospital Club, and is reputed to be a very hard man to beat. Another position, left-half, has brought about a change, P. Lambert, of Hospital, replacing Hanlon. Lambert is clever in attack and defence and has a handy knack of making the most of an'opportunity. Barton, at outside-right, comes with a great reputation. He is believed to be the best outside-rigTit New Zealand has ever had, but it would be hard for Southerners to convince Aucklanders that there is a better than Bob Innes in that position. Barton will have his chance on Saturday of proving his worth. He has been chosen after a most consistent season's play for the Marist Club. McLeod, Bigby, Smith and Craig are known quantities after the last match ,and are forwards of grea ability who require the closest watching. Altogether there is reason to believe that the Wellingtonians aro bringing their strongest team, for according to a prominent official, they are "determined to bring the trophy to Wellington." No stone has been left unturned that will achieve this end, and there have been several trial matches to get together the best team and to give an opportunity to cultivate team work and combination. It is to be expected that in this respect both sides will step out on to the field on equal terms. Auckland's side are quietly confident that they can maintain their envied record. The change of Morrison for Tinkler will doubtless come to some as a surprise. The Trams' right-half has been on and off this season in club -games, though he certainly has always risen to the occasion in big matches. There is very little between the two players. A disquieting rumour had it that Innes had strained a muscle of the leg, but he reports being fit and ready for the fray. Auckland will require to give of their best to retain their laurels.