Eva Rudolph to captain Southland Soccer Team in 1986......

The Southland women's soccer team faced a stiff challenge in 1986 with an unfavourable draw, against top sides Wellington, Waikato and Otago.  The team was relatively inexperienced and coach, Fred Simpson put a lot of faith in the younger players.

The team was well supported with the likes of Eva Rudolph, Mo Pikia and Lorraine Kelman.
Ruldoph the captain was selected for the New Zealand B side, while Pikia was a reserve for the side.
Kelman along with Suzanne Simmonds formed the foundation of the back line.
Nine in the squad are newcomers.
Brenda Anderson a former Southland hockey representative was included to pay up front, with Jackie Robertson.
Linda Stevenson, Jackie West, and Louise Wright  had all been promoted from the James Hargest team and Glenda Wells had transferred from Marist.

Reference: Herrick, S.  The Southland Times July 1986

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