Hutt International Boys’ School (HIBS’) have successfully defended the Trevor Rigby Cup, edging Wellington College 1-0 in the Premier Youth First XI football final.

Played under lights in front of a large and vibrant crowd at Petone Memorial Park, Wellington lost its third straight decider as round-robin leaders.

The winning strike happened midway through the second-half. A spectacular goal was scored by Blake Sinden. Lacking support and with apparently nothing on, Sinden lashed a fierce and angled drive from 10-metres outside the box into the roof of the net.

In the first-half both teams struggled to create genuine chances. Ben Waine was lively for HIBS’ with his piercing runs through midfield and narrowly nudged the ball wide of goal in first ten minutes. HIBS’ keeper Andrew Heaps was forced to make a save off his feet, foiling a Seth Ward shot with his chest, but the game was mostly tight and nervy. HIBS’ used the long ball to good effect at times, while Wellington looked to create with superior passing, but lacked patience.

The second-half threatened to open up, but followed a largely similar pattern. Wellington’s Jacob Masseurs collided heavily with the HIBS’ keeper while trying to snaffle an equaliser from a through ball.

HIBS’ nearly doubled their lead when a corner by Ethan Findlay was fisted away by Wellington keeper Ellery Peters.

Waine was the catalyst for much of HIBS’ attack, but Wellington defender Ollie Petersen kept him mostly in check. Hayato Takada was always busy and occasionally threatening for Wellington.

With about 15 minutes left HIBS Jaiden Moir weaved past two defenders and blasted narrowly wide of the target in an exciting burst.

HIBS’ supporters removed the boards separating them from the field as time expired. In referee’s time a free-kick was awarded to Wellington. From about 25-metres out, Ward cleared HIBS’ defensive wall, but Heaps parried the ball out and HIBS’ celebrated widely.

Wellington striker Baqer Ali and HIBS’ sticker Simon Belcher were the co winners of the Golden Boot – for the most goals in the Premier Competition with 10 each. Baqer’s brother Mehdi Ali was also a Golden Boot winner in 2011. It’s the first time according to known records that brothers have both won this prestigious trophy.

In the Youth Division I final, St. Pat’s Town accounted for Rathkeale College 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

 

Previous Premier Youth Winners

2015: HIBS

2014: Hutt Valley HS

2011-2013: Wellington College

2010: St. Pats Silverstream

2005-2009: Wellington College

2004: St. Pats Town

2002-2003: Tawa College

1999-2001: St. Pats Silverstream

1993-1998: Wellington College

1992: St. Pats Town

1990-1991: Wellington College

1988-1989: Rongotai College

1987: St. Pats Town

1986: Tawa College

1985: Rongotai College

1984: Wellington College

1983: Rongotai College

 

Previous Premier Youth Division I Winners

2015: St. Pats Silverstream

2014: Wellington High School

2013: St. Bernard’s College

2012: St. Pats Silverstream

2011: Wellington High School

2010: St. Pat’s Town

2009: St. Pats Silverstream

2008: Onslow College

2007: Rongotai College

2006: HIBS

2004-2005: Wellington High School

2003: St. Pats Silverstream

2002: Paraparaumu College

2001: Hutt Valley High School

2000: Wellington High School