The cry of “Champions!” was sweet music to the ears of a handful of Aucklanders at Petone’s Memorial Park on August 12, 1995. The raucous tune was sung by members of the sixteen-strong Auckland women’s soccer squad, joyous in their moment of victory. For they had just defeated Canterbury 1-0 in the final of the twentieth National Women’s Soccer Tournament, courtesy a well-taken 27th minute volley from Gillian Thurlow, who rifled the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of Eileen Sears' goal. The champions dominated the first half, their brand of quality football opening up Canterbury's defence at will on occasions. Abby Allan, Maria Wilkie and Jan Muir all went close in the first spell, with Zarnia Cogle firing Canterbury's lone effort in anger against the crossbar. The second half saw wave upon wave of blue-and-white attacks targetting Canterbury's goal. Wilkie and Amanda Crawford were narrowly astray with efforts, while resolute defence, Julia Campbell in particular, denied the northerners on other occasions. Canterbury enjoyed a good spell in between Auckland's raids. Kim Dermott, Cogle and Rachel Oliver posed problems for Auckland's three-strong defence, in which Sue Gregory was performing her duties well. Carol Roberts, a half-time substitute, caused Auckland's defence numerous problems with her persistence, but the new champions held firm. Efforts from Michele Cox, Crawford (two) and Maia Jackman all went close to extending Auckland's advantage before the final whistle, but 1-0 it remained. The success marked the ninth occasion that Auckland had been crowned queens of New Zealand women’s soccer. It was their fifth such triumph in six years. As well, it was Auckland’s thirteenth successive final - they have now appeared in seventeen of the twenty played. Coach Keith Garland was in charge last year, when Auckland had a rare off-day in the final, against Wellington. But the “A Team” more than made amends for that blemish this time round. There were a couple of personnel changes from the squad which finished second in 1994. But of greater significance was the continuation of the style of play which Auckland produced from game to game. Stylish, fluid football. Quality football. The football of true champions. Garland was, naturally, delighted with the outcome. “What a great performance! Some super football!!” was his reaction to Auckland’s 1-0 success in the final of the Bluebird-sponsored tournament.. A great performance indeed. At times, in the first half particularly, Auckland opened up Canterbury’s defence seemingly at will. Abby Allan, Maria Wilkie and Jan Muir were in rampant form, as the southerners struggled to cope with the seemingly incessant waves of blue-and-white attacks. This trio was aided by Gillian Thurlow, Amanda Crawford and, in the second half, Maia Jackman. Their forward forays were made possible by Melissa Wileman and Michele Cox, whose midfield partnership was central to many a fine move. Meanwhile, captain Terry McCahill marshalled a solid defence, consisting of Avondale United team-mates Jill Corner, Sue Gregory and Yvonne Vale, who conceded just four goals over the week-long competition. Those who didn’t appear in the final itself, but played a significant role in Auckland’s return to the winners’ rostrum nonetheless, were Tarah Cox, Debbie Sumich, Jennifer Carlisle and Patrice Bourke. The champions’ on-field success was reflected in the post-tournament announcement of a twenty-five strong New Zealand training squad, from which coach Maurice Tillotson later named eighteen to represent their country in two internationals against South Korea in early September. Eight of the twenty-five came from the Queen City - Vale, Gregory, Corner, Wileman, Allan, Crawford, McCahill and Cox, with only the last-mentioned missing the plane to Seoul. Of the remaining Auckland players that missed out, the unluckiest of all must be Thurlow. Rated one of the “A Team”’s most consistent players throughout the week, at least she can console herself with the fact that hers was the goal which brought the National Championship home - again.