Am coming up with Otago this weekend for our youth final.
Is the Fred pitch a concern at all, or is it just atmosphere that will suffer a little compared to trusts?
Fred Taylor is actually a reasonable pitch, they've solved the old problem of the rabbit holes it seems. The rest of the facilites are those of a winter league club with not protection from the elements and most spectators confined to standing around the perimeter.
I loved going to Otago on an away game with ACFC when we tried to liven up your impressive covered stadium. Your post-match hospitality was most appreciated. At least you guys make an effort to have good spectator facilities. Waitakere have spent all their money on players.
By the way the Sunday forcast is for rain in Auckland so bring your gumboots. If it does rain it's going to be a grand wash-out rather than a grand final. It'll look terrible if it's on TV.
I'm embarrassed as an Aucklander that through penny-pinching and incompetence by NZF the Otago Youth team are not being treated to a venue worthy of a showcase final. That the two games not being held at Trusts stadium or North Harbour or even Mt Smart #2 ground is a disgrace, and that the youth final between ACFC and Otago isn't on offer as a curtain raiser (not four hours before) just boggles the mind. Inept is the word that springs to mind.