Soccer: Celebrity soccer nets $35,000 for tsunami

Former All White Keith (Buzzer) Mackay hits the ground at the feet of ex-Warrior Ivan Cleary at the tsunami fundraiser match last night. Picture / Kenny Rodger

A celebrity soccer match for tsunami victims attracted more than 1000 fans and was on course to raise more than $35,000 last night.

An All Whites invitation side with players who debuted as long ago as the 1960s and featuring many of the 1982 World Cup squad took to the field at the Auckland City Football Club in Kiwitea St, Sandringham, against an All Stars side of former All Blacks, league players, sports celebrities and journalists.

The All Stars won 3-2.

Despite the solemnity of a minute's silence before the game, the breadth of experience of some of the players sparked lighter moments.

Andy Haden, managing the McDonald's All Stars, had plenty to say about the "age and infirmity" of the All Whites side.

Former All Black Junior Tonu'u, former Brentford footballer Roger Phillipson and Warriors assistant coach Ivan Cleary scored for the All Stars, while Grant Turner, who played his first game for the All Whites in 1980, scored and former All Whites goalkeeper Frank van Hattum slotted home a penalty.