Story courtesy of College Sport Media

Trevor Rigby Cup starting on Saturday and some players to watch

The start of the Boys First XI Football competition season is next week with the final weekend of grading matches completed this King’s Birthday Monday and the Trevor Rigby Cup kicking off this Saturday 8 June.

Eight teams will take the field in an initial seven-week round-robin league, followed by a top four playoff series and the two progressing to the final at Petone Memorial Park on Wednesday 28 August.

Last year saw St Patrick’s College, Silverstream winning the Trevor Rigby Cup for the first time since 2010, beating Hutt International Boys’ School 3-2 in the decider.

With grading complete, Silverstream, HIBS, St Pat’s Town, Wellington College, Scots College and Rongotai College had already qualified.

Paraparaumu College and Onslow College are the two final teams to have qualified for the top 8.

The best of the rest teams play in the Division 1 league, for the Players’ Trophy.

Ahead of the new league season, our annual list of some ‘players to watch’ is below (one player per school only):

Luke Stoupe (St Patrick’s College Silverstream)- The 2023 Golden Boot winner scored a record 21 goals as Silverstream won their first Trevor Rigby Cup since 2010 beating HIBS 3-2 in a thrilling final. Last year was a bit of a leaving party for Silverstream, with now National League (NL) winner Isa Prins, Captain Phil Fatialofa, and Jordyn Bentley all departing. Luke must continue his prolific scoring if Silverstream is to soar again.

Charlie Hale (St Patrick’s College Wellington) - Charlie finished 2023 with ten goals and helped Town achieve a respectable 18th place at nationals. Charlie has started 2024 spectacularly with 11 goals in four games. He was rewarded with a Central League debut for Miramar Rangers against Island Bay United.

Luke Hardy (Rongotai College) - Luke was a standout for Rongotai last year as they finished their season in stellar fashion claiming wins over St Pats Town (2-1) and Scots College (4-2). Rongotai went on to finish runners-up at the Trident Tournament in Whanganui going down on penalties to ACG Strathallan in the final. Rongotai has started 2024 unbeaten. Hardy has scored six goals in three games. With the vast majority of their squad returning, Rongotai should be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Harry Matthews (Scots College) - An excellent midfielder unafraid to do the dirty work winning the ball back for his side, but also with excellent passing range and accuracy to create on attack. Matthews made his Central League debut last year for Miramar

against Whanganui Athletic. Scots have a settled-looking roster as they push for their first title since 2022.

Thomas Nischalke (Wellington College) - Back for a second season, Thomas has begun 2024 in fine goalscoring fashion. Nischalke has been on the scoresheet in every game so far hitting a wonderful curling shot against HIBS before scoring a hatrick in Wellington’s 4-2 win against St Pats Town in the traditional on Wednesday. Nischalke scored a goal in the opening minute of the 2022 final won by Wellington College against HIBS. His pace down the flanks and lethal shots from both feet are hard to contain.

Tyler Hudig (HIBS)- Tyler is in his first year of school football post Ole Football Academy. With his skillful dribbling, passing and willingness to attack, Hudig has added a flair and edge to HIBS. HIBS were Trevor Rigby Cup runners-up in 2022 and 2023. Can Hudig be the attacking spark that changes that?

Lucas Wright (Paraparaumu College) - After missing most of last season through injury, Lucas has returned to Paraparaumu's line up and has made an impressive start to the season. Lucas is an established member of Miramar's table-topping Capital Premier side. He will be looking to help his college team build on their 2023 Premier Reserve Players Trophy, the first title in Paraparaumu's history.

George Fullelove (Onslow) - A versatile midfielder who plays with intelligene beyond his age. George reprresented NZSS U16 in thier tour of Australia earlier this year and is training with the North Wellington Central League side in 2024. 

Article added: Wednesday 05 June 2024

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