Blake To Back – Super Sinden Strike Helps HIBS Go Back To Back

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

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