Soccer: Veteran reinforces bid for first trophy

By TERRY MADDAFORD

After spending much of the season battling injury, veteran Paul Probert will be back to shore up the Tauranga City defence in tomorrow's Chatham Cup final.

The former international will play a key role in City's chase for cup glory against three-time winners Napier City Rovers, especially as there have been hints this could be a farewell for the popular 36-year-old.

Both teams should go into the match at Napier's Bluewater Stadium at full strength.

Most interest will be in the battle between the Napier attack, led by Shane Smeltz, and a Tauranga defence that has been in solid form.

Unheralded goalkeepers James Pamment (Tauranga) and Napier's Steve Graham would cap good seasons with victory in the Bluebird-sponsored final.

Napier can call on the experience of veteran All White Andy Rennie, whereas Tauranga, bidding for a first-ever trophy at this level, will look to a team with a blend of young and old.

Tauranga have been forced to play at Napier's home ground because North Harbour Stadium is unavailable.

In a replay of last season's clash, Ellerslie will play Lynn Avon at Bill McKinlay Park tomorrow in the Uncle Tobys women's Knockout Cup final.

Ellerslie sprang a minor upset with their 1-0 win last season and will be fully tested again by a determined Lynn Avon side who were 3-2 victors in this year's only league clash between the sides.

Making life difficult for the cupholders is the absence of Maia Jackman - on a three-month professional stint in China - and injury to young international Priscilla Duncan.