Golden era relived in a one-off

HEAD TO HEAD: Napier City Rovers captain Danny Wilson (left) faces up to one of the stars of the team 15 years ago - Chris McIvor. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND HBT15309903

This evening, at Park Island's Bluewater Stadium, the "blues" will line up to take on ... "the blues".

For devoted Napier City Rovers fans, and anyone who enjoys an entertaining football contest, it will be one of the more remarkable games they are likely to see.

A team from arguably the finest era of the club, from the glory years of 2000-02, will be lacing up the boots again to celebrate the 15-year reunion one of their number, Chris McIvor, has put together.

They are coming from far and wide.

Some are still out there playing, while others have stepped back a little - but the passion for football is undimmed.

So as well as a barbecue and a few outings back together again, what would be better than actually getting the blue strip out again and having a game?

"I just thought: hey, we've got a weekend, so why not throw a game in there?" Mr McIvor said.

The timing was also right, as the weekend sees the Lotto Under-19 Youth Tournament being staged at Park Island.

When it came to finding a side to take on, he looked no further than the clubrooms he and his fellow veteran boys in blue spent so much time in.

The current Napier City Rovers side.

"I rang Danny [Wilson, the current skipper] about a month ago and asked if he could put a team together of current players and some from recent years."

Mr Wilson said it was not a problem and he would be honoured to take on the team from the era that saw Chatham Cups and National Championships come Napier's way.

Against players like Perry Cotton, Martin Akers, Andy Rennie, Jonathan Taylor, Mike Foster, Robbie Parker, Warren Gilbertson, Scott Pilcher and David Gearey among others.

And all under the coaching guidance of Mick Waitt, who said he was delighted to take part.

Mr Wilson said once he started ringing and texting players the response was universal - they all wanted a part of it.

Napier City did "the double" in 2000 - picking up the Chatham Cup and the National League title.

They also picked up the cup in 2002 but narrowly lost out in the league final.

In 2001, the "blues" represented New Zealand in the Oceania Club Championships, staged in the steaming heat of Papua New Guinea, and finished with the third-placed trophy.

Mr McIvor said he managed to get together 19 players and all were keen to head for Bluewater Stadium once again, for a clash with those of younger years who have followed them in the blue.

A few could not make it - Shane Smeltz and Jimmy Cudd are in Australia and keeper Mark Paston had to pull out as he had family commitments.

"But we've got a strong squad and a lot of the boys are still playing ... or trying to play," he added with a laugh.

"We will give it a good crack."

Mr Wilson said he knew the iron-clad spirit of the lads they would be up against.

"I can't see Macca [Chris McIvor] going out there and saying 'oh it's okay ... it's only a friendly'. I think it will be a pretty open game and pretty competitive actually."

Asked for a possible score, both skippers agreed on that. They reckon 6-5 - either way.

"It will be competitive," Mr Wilson said.

"Yeah ... and I'm a bit concerned about that," Mr McIvor said.

The 2000-02 Napier City Rovers squad

Steve Graham, Brendan Adema, Perry Cotton, Andy Rennie, Jonathan Taylor, Adam Turner, Wayne Atkins, Warren Gilbertson, Robbie Parker, Scott Pilcher, Brad Scott, Mike Foster, Chris Shakeshaft, David Gearey, Leon Birnie, Chris McIvor, Aaron Barrett, Dean Johnston, Marty Akers. Coach; Mick Waitt.

-Napier City Rovers of 2000-02 vs Napier City Rovers 2015, at Bluewater Stadium, Park Island, Saturday, October 24, kick-off at 5.30pm. Admission free.