Squads have been named for the Aaron Scott testimonial match on Saturday September 23, 4.30pm at Gower Park - with Scott featuring in both squads.

That indicates he will be playing half a game for both the Michael Mayne-coached Melville XI and the Northern League XI.

The Melville XI features three of Scott's extended family members in Josh Billman, Wayne Bates, and Isaac Bates (all of them Chatham Cup runner-up medalists) while the Northern League XI features his dad, Dave.

The Melville XI also features two goalkeepers with over 100 appearances for Melville in Eddie Trubshoe and Max Tommy, though Tommy may of course be playing up front given his new-found goalscoring ability. Veteran stoppers Jason Chewins and Gavin Douglas will again team up for Melville.

The Jarrod Young-coached Northern League XI features former All Whites Che Bunce, Allan Pearce, Jacob Spoonley, as well as former Melville skipper Matt Williams and a host of lads Scott played with as a schoolboy in David Samson, Charlie Hoyle, Nathan Holten and Chris Musgrave.

The Melville XI will probably win because they have Jerson Lagos and the Northern League XI have nobody who can catch him.

An entry donation of $10 or $5 depending on circumstances is recommended.

Melville XI: Levi Clark, Liam Hayes, Luke Searle, Flynn O'Brien, Joel McMullan, Max Tommy, Eddie Trubshoe, Jason Chewins, Gavin Douglas, Isaac Bates, Josh Billman, Raheem Hunter, Wayne Bates, Quinton Kipara, Jerson Lagos, Aaron Scott. Coach: Michael Mayne. Assistant: Sean Liddicoat.

Northern League XI: Jacob Spoonley, Chad Coombes, Jason Rowley, Braedan Quilter Phipps, Matt Hastings, Matt Williams, Dave Scott, Aaron Scott, Charlie Hoyle, Nathan Holten, David Samson, Chris Musgrave, Che Bunce, Dan Finlay, Allan Pearce, Ashley Kipara. Coach: Jarrod Young.

Referee; Hamzi Mahagna. Scott's nephews Kristian Bates and Noah Billman will do the line.

Article added: Friday 22 September 2023