Pictured is a section of a typical pre-printed Petone FC programme cover of the circa 1990 era. This particular design had a handsome run and featured stallwarts of the Men’s Central League Champions Andy Badrick (centre) and Johnny Groves (background)
30th ANNIVERSARY – CENTRAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
Liquid IT Petone vs Stop Out Central League 2020 | 3pm, Saturday September 19 | Memorial Park
Petone Men’s Reserves vs Wgtn Marist Capital 2 | 1pm, Saturday September 19 | Memorial Park Proudly supporting Petone FC liquidit.nz Chairman’s Corner
elcome to Stop Out playing our Liquid IT Petone Men’s First Team Wtoday and of course a big welcome to all of our loyal supporters and opposition supporters. Our Men’s First Team had a great 2-0 win against Karori last week, getting those precious three points. Unfortunately for us, Wairarapa beat Miramar and so we are still in a three-way battle with Stop Out and Wairarapa to stay in Central League. An interesting few weeks ahead start today. Our lads are committed to working very hard as a team, with some very intense training sessions, to do all they can to be successful in the remaining four games. We are all with you and believe you can dig deep and get the required results – COYB. Our Powerex Women’s First Team finished the W-League season in a respectable fifth spot, from which they are looking to build upon next year. Unfortunately, they fell short in the Kelly Cup semifinal – losing 1-0 to Wairarapa in a very-closely-contested match on Monday night. We are looking forward to seeing how the team goes next year. Our Women’s Reserve Team finished mid-table in Premier League, which is a great result, as we have our top two women’s teams firmly in both of the top two Wellington leagues. With our U18 Girls tracking really well and a lot of junior girls teams in the club too, the future is looking good for our women’s programme. Our Men’s Reserve Team have a six-point lead on top of Capital 2, with superior goal difference of +23, with two games to play – so one point today against third-placed Marist will secure the league for them. With many young lads in the squad surrounded by a solid base of older heads, the team has generated a great environment this year and is providing a springboard to the First Team. It will be great to see them competing in Capital 1 next year. The Third Team are in a solid mid-table position with two games to go and our Fourth Team (The Untouchables) finished second on goal difference and gained promotion to Wellington 2 – congratulations and well done to all involved with the team throughout the year. Our Talent Development Programme teams have had some mixed results but we are achieving our goals of delivering a programme that develops our players’ skills even if results may not be fantastic. Our U17 Team has some talented players, but as many also play for our Reserve Team, they have recorded no wins as yet. Our U15 Team have had some good recent results in a very tough league, and our U13 Team is going really well, sitting second on the table with a solid chance of winning their league. We will continue to build this programme which is the backbone of the future of our club. Electrical - Data - Security - Heat Pumps
www.powerex.nz (04) 891-0154 73 Sydney Street, Petone Our closed-shop teams are finishing their seasons this weekend. The Stone Cutters in Capital 4 are eighth and fighting to stay up against Marist today – a win should do the job for them. Turning to the masters leagues, the Armanis finished their season last week seventh in Masters 1. This secures a spot for Petone FC in this prestigious and very competitive league made up of many former first and reserve team players across the region. The Armanis name is being retired after 17 years but will always be remembered as the team that created a great pathway back to quality football for our more talented players of the past. We are looking forward to seeing how the Petone Masters 1 Team – new name awaited – will fare next year. Left Over Stews in Masters 4 will finish mid-table today and as the most frequent holders of the Masters Cup – competed for with the Mighty Masters. However, this season, agreement has been reached to open the cup up to all Petone FC masters teams and there will be a post-season tournament to challenge for the trophy here next weekend. The Mighty Masters will finish sixth or seventh, securing their place in Masters 5 and the Dreamers in Masters Over 44 are looking at third or fourth. We have a busy social calendar coming up which has been compressed due to COVID-19 delays: September 19 – Old Timers’ Day September 25-27 – junior prize giving (to be confirmed) September 26 – Women’s bingo night fundraiser October 3 – Men’s First Team horsie night October 17 – senior prize giving REMEMBER – PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CLUB’S SPONSORS. Good luck everybody – play hard and fair for you club and team this weekend. Matt Bliss Chairman
Petone FC Programme Info editor/designer – Iain MacIntyre (MacIntyre Public Relations Ltd)
ur club has introduced a new supporters’ package this year, whereby Osponsors have the opportunity to advertise on the back of player shirts in both the Petone FC Liquid IT Men’s First Team and Powerex Women’s First Team. These much-appreciated financial supporters will also be named match-day sponsor for one game per year, in which their business and the players proudly wearing their shirts will be profiled in the following pages of this programme. Hospitality will be provided to the sponsor at that game and, additionally, framed pictures will feature in the club stairwell during the season. A few shirts are still available, so any businesses who may be interested – and any club members who have any potential contacts – please advise club chairman Matt Bliss
Liquid IT Liquid loves football. We have been supporting Petone FC pretty much since when we started the business nearly five years ago and in that time, Petone FC have climbed back to the Central League and Liquid has grown to ~45 IT professionals delivering cyber security, workspace and connectivity solutions to organisations throughout New Zealand. Wellington based and predominantly supporting government agencies, we are Kiwi-owned-and-operated, providing mission-critical managed IT services by focusing on our clients’ needs over everything else ... even football. Steven Whitehead, director +64 27 536 5273, [email protected] Floor 4, 56 Victoria Street, Wellington 6011 PO Box 9410, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 liquidit.nz Oliver Whitehead Centreback Why have you chosen football over other codes? Played my first game of football when I was young, haven’t ever thought about playing another sport since. Do you have a lucky charm or ritual that you observe before playing? Prepare myself mentally the night before with a good night’s rest. What do you do outside of football? I’m a full-time student and work part time. What is the song you like to train to? Cleaner Air – YEEK. Favourite takeaway? Golden Horse Chinese takeaway, Petone. Who is your favourite team in any other league? Leicester City. What footballer do you most admire and why? Jamie Vardy – got his first signing when he was 25 and I admire the fact he never gave up on his dream to play professional football.
T O D A YNext ! Club Event! Old Timers’ Day – Sept 19 30th Anniversary CL Champions! What did you learn from COVID? That I love playing football, I only stopped playing for a couple of months but it gave me a better understanding as to why my Old Man misses it so much. What would be your ultimate achievement in your sport this year? I want to play every minute for the First Team to the best of my ability. What is the best thing about Petone Football Club? The culture. It’s the people that volunteer and work behind the scenes that make Petone feel like a second family. The friends I’ve made growing up through this club I will never forget.
Katie McKenzie Attacking midfield, centre midfield Why have you chosen football over other codes? Because it’s a social sport and a fun way to keep fit. Do you have a lucky charm or ritual that you observe before playing? Not really, but I always make sure I’m wearing a double layer of socks! What do you do outside of football? Apart from work, I like hanging out with friends and family, having games
Blue Star Wellington 33 Jackson Street Petone PO Box 38 190 Wellington New Zealand 5045 Tel: +64 4 569 3519 Fax: +64 4 568 6356 www.bluestar.co.nz Full Club Events Calendar 2020 junior photos – June 29 Dave Agent Memorial Darts Night – July 25 big goal day fundraiser – August 15-16 club quiz, run by Junior Club – September 12 Old Timers’ Day – September 19 junior prize giving – September 25-27 (to be confirmed) bingo night, run by Senior Women’s Teams – September 26 horsie night, run by Senior Men’s Squad – October 3 senior prize giving – October 17
nights etc, binge-watching TV with comfort food in winter and all that good stuff. What is the song you like to train to? All sorts, I listen to a mixture but mainly just anything upbeat. Favourite takeaway? KFC hands down, can’t beat a spicy chicken fillet and a Snack Burger. Who is your favourite team in any other league? Don’t really have one. Would watch the Football Ferns and sometimes go and support Team Wellington though. What footballer do you most admire and why? Not one in particular but I really admire all of the girls who I grew up playing with who have gone on to represent New Zealand and play overseas – great stuff. What did you learn from COVID? That I really prefer to work from home, lol. What would be your ultimate achievement in your sport this year? Not being injured yet I count as a win! *touches wood*.
What is the best thing about Petone Football Club? The players, they’re a great bunch ! The facilities are really good too.
Paradise Building Paradise Building limited was established in 2005 and has been providing professional, residential and light commercial construction services to the greater Wellington area since. Primarily we specialise in large loss fire and flood restoration services for all of the major insurance companies and over the years have built a reputation for delivering an all-encompassing, build and management service from design to code of compliance. With an extensive network of professional and reliable subtrades to undertake a large variety of building and maintenance services, we are able to offer services such as
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38-42 Railway Ave Ph: 04 887 1311 new homes, renovations, bathrooms and kitchens, alterations and general maintenance. Director Roger Hollywell has extensive construction and management experience including working commercially in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Paradise Building is a Platinum member of the Certified Builders’ Association and a licensed building practitioner. For your next building project, and advice on how to make nice, you need to call Paradise. Paradise Building is proud to be local and to be supporting Petone FC. 04 568 9701, 021 535 120 [email protected] 12 Sherwood Street, Woburn, Lower Hutt www.paradisebuilding.co.nz
Cody Brook Striker
Why have you chosen football over other codes? My Dad’s side of the family come from Huddersfield and are football mad so it’s a bit of a religion in my family.
Do you have a lucky charm or ritual that you observe before playing? No charms/rituals for me, I have a pretty relaxed approach pre-game.
What do you do outside of football? Surf and a bit of golf.
What is the song you like to train to? Bones – Wax Mustang.
Favourite takeaway? Krishna’s in Mosgiel, definitely worth a trip South to try it.
Who is your favourite team in any other league? 38-42 Railway Ave Ph: 04 887 1311 Manchester United.
What footballer do you most admire and why? Would have to go with Cristiano Ronaldo, his workrate is probably the highest there is. It’s just impressive what he does to be at the top. What did you learn from COVID? I learnt that I need a woman in my life! What would be your ultimate achievement in your sport this year? At this rate to get on the field for Petone. If all goes well, the ultimate achievement would be to contribute to a strong finish to the season. What is the best thing about Petone Football Club? Best thing about Petone would be the people at the club, I’ve only been here for a very short time and have been welcomed with open arms by everyone I’ve met.
Emily Yates Striker, right half Why have you chosen football over other codes? Grew up around football, always appreciated/loved the game. Do you have a lucky charm or ritual that you observe before playing? Saturday morning Weet-Bix. What do you do outside of football? Full-time student. What is the song you like to train to? Something usually upbeat or inspirational. Favourite takeaway? Thai (K Sing). Who is your favourite team in any other league? Wellington Phoenix. What footballer do you most admire? Jonty Bilderbeck. What did you learn from COVID? How to hold a headstand. What would be your ultimate achievement in your sport this year? Top three in the league. What is the best thing about Petone Football Club? Positive playing environment, good facilities. Old Timer – Wayne Ebert
stalwart of Petone’s 1990 Central League-winning side, Wayne Ebert A recorded a total of 181 First Team league appearances for the club (scoring 14 goals) before injury brought a premature end to his career. Looking back fondly on his and his family’s long and continuing involvement with Petone FC, Wayne recalls his first-ever training back in 1971. “We trained on grass in the space where the practice turf is now, Vicky Pickering was the coach and I remember training with an orange at one stage – mind you I was four years old!” he quips. “I was brought up in the club and remember going on working bees when they were building the foundations on the downstairs wall and having after-match in the gym before upstairs was built. “My Mum took me to all my junior games over the years and was well known in the club and my Dad played First Team and was captain of the Reserves, and was known as an uncompromising right back. Dad was always involved in the club as long as I can remember and was president for ten years and was First Team manager for about the same time, so he was able to see me play all of those games!” Having trained and benched with the First Team at the age of 16, Wayne formally moved into senior football at the age of 18 and progressively evolved from the Fourths to the Reserves. However, admitting to not initially “shining” – even being referred to by the First Team coach of the time as a “Thursday Night Footballer” – he then had a transformative work-enforced season away. “I started martial arts, got some confidence and became a big part of the Levin United Team in Central 3 in 1986. The next season I came back to Petone and slotted straight into central midfield in the Dave Agent- Wayne Ebert circa 1990 coached Reserves. Take control back from those ongoing aches! All registered Petone football players in any team with an ACC injury are eligible for fully-subsidised physiotherapy treatment at any TBI Health Wellington clinic: • Wellington CBD – L5, 111 Customhouse Quay, CBD • Newtown – 90 Hanson Street, Southern Cross Hospital, Newtown • Lower Hutt – L1, 21-23 Andrews Ave, Lower Hutt • Ropata – 135 Witako Street, Epuni • Mana – Level 1, 107 Mana Esplanade, Mana • Kapiti – 112 Rimu Rd, Paraparaumu “It wasn’t long before I got a call up from First Team coach Barry Pickering to play a half for the Reserves at Karori and then race out to Petone for what turned out to be my debut versus Olympic as a striker. “I never played a league game again for the Reserves, before my major injury, although I do remember getting dropped down preseason one year – probably an attitude thing! I played all of that preseason for the Reserves but then played every game for the First Team in the league.” Having developed as a winger and evolved into a central midfielder, Wayne recalls his role being recast in the latter part of the 1980s by First Team coach Graeme Boomer. “He saw a gap in the team and a chance to make me left back. It seemed to work quite well! I was a natural right-footed player but was just as good with my left – Revie (former First Team goalkeeper, Greg Revell) would say ‘no hardies at training’ when shooting at him with it, lol. “But I do have the dubious honour, as I call it, of playing every position in the First Team except keeper.” Wayne, who also made a couple of sub appearances with Hutt Valley United in the National League, singles out two career highlights. “It has to be winning the Central League in 1990 and being lucky enough to play with such a great group of guys, and have an amazing group of supporters and followers. It was a fantastic time in the club. “Also, scoring my first Central League goal at Petone with an overhead mixed with a high Taekwondo twisting kick versus Stop Out on Number One – I didn’t score many!” It is understood Wayne still holds the record for being the fastest to record a century of league appearances for the Men’s First Team – his 100 coming in 107 games played by the side over that period. He holds high respect for a number of former team-mates. “I was lucky to play with Russell Turner, Paul Olsthoorn (Ollie), Andy Badrick (Uncle Andy), Paul Schrijvers, Grant Turner, Mark and Des Wroe – not to mention the keepers in Revie and Stapes (Gary Stapleton). “But I did have a great gameday partnership with Paul Baker (Bakes). We both played down the left side and knew each other’s play really well and combined for a number of goals. “I also remember being ‘looked after’ as a young player in Sunday football by Angus McTavish and AJ (Alan Jennings), Dave Agent and crew – I was pretty much left alone thanks to those guys.” Alas, Wayne relives that in 1995 at the age of 28, suffering what was his first serious injury was to also bring a prompt end to his First Team career – “except for a few comeback efforts that didn’t last long”.
“My knee gave way at Park Island (Napier) and then a couple weeks later I did it again for the last time at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. I have had four operations on my right and one on my left, including a partial knee replacement on my right, which doesn’t help my Taekwondo!
“It’s bittersweet because it was later that year that my eldest son, Josh, was born – my next Petone FC project was only a few years away!
“I did play a couple of games – cameo ten-20 minutes – when Andy and I were coaching the Fourth Team, so I was lucky enough to play senior football with both Josh and my other son, Brad, in the same game.
“But otherwise, I’d probably still be playing – and single because of it – so it’s a good thing I’m not!”
Having commenced coaching at the club at the age of 16 alongside the likes of former team-mates Steve Eglinton (Eggy) and Jimmy McKenzie, Wayne has taken three teams through the grades over the years. Later coaching with John Gibbon and Wayne Benson, those teams have featured a number of subsequent First Team players.
Specialising in Sign Manufacture and Installation www.signfoundry.co.nz 0508 FOUNDRY Wellington - Auckland - Christchurch As well as having co-coached the Fourths and managed the Reserves, Wayne continues to serve on the club’s Football Advisory Committee and is proud to have seen his immediate family continue the Ebert involvement. “Josh and Brad have both played for the First Team, with Josh now in Melbourne and Brad playing in the Reserves. “Although my daughter, Danielle, hasn’t had much to do with the club, my favourite person in the world, wife Julie, has been alongside supporting most of the way since we met in the late ‘80s. “Julie, Josh and Brad all had their 21sts in the clubrooms as well.” Considering himself privileged to have been involved with Petone FC over the years, Wayne says football and sport as a whole has played a notable role in his and his family’s lives. “It has helped me be close to my sons and having the chance to shape their future in sport and life is something I will treasure. It has also allowed me to meet and make some great life friends, and taught me some humbling lessons. “I have coached at St Bernards College (SBC) for seven years, while still coaching Petone juniors, and was lucky to have met all of the boys’ friends and coach them. You will find a good splattering of SBC boys throughout Petone – some still playing Firsts and Ressies. “I have also helped introduce a number of players to the club from a young age as a player, coach and now as an administrator – the likes of now-Life Member Craig Deadman, Eggy, Stapes and not to mention a number of SBC boys along with one current First Team player. That gives me great satisfaction too. “Just like Dad, I like to put back into things that I have enjoyed and learnt so much from, and Petone FC is one of those things.” Please note the Central League One Champions article later in programme
Ebert Family Petone FC First Team league appearances Ron* (1968-1973) – 20 Wayne (1987-1995) – 181 (14 goals) Josh (2014-) – 25 (two goals) Brad (2015-) – five * = with records sparse prior to this time, it is certain Ron Ebert had a much greater number of appearances Central League 2020 Saturday September 19 | Memorial Park | 3pm
Liquid IT Petone Stop Out GK (1) Shea Stapleton GK (1) Chris Campbell
GK (22 Ethan Claridge GK (22) Sam Wright
2 James Nash 2 James Sutcliffe
3 Nick Edginton 3 Bryn Yates
4 Oliver Whitehead 4 Graham Craven
5 Ethan Findley 5 Kade Schrijvers
6 Jordan Pickering 6 Abbas Abdullahi
7 Jaga Scott-Greenfield 7 Ta Eh Doe
8 Hami Paranihi-Nuku 8 Cam Mackenzie
9 Zach Watson 9 Justin Gulley (c)
10 Michael Pickering (c) 10 Jared Cunniff
11 Cody Brook 11 Mikhail Bredeveldt
12 Oliver Pickering 12 Lewis Jackson
13 Issac Snell 13 Brayan Heredia
14 Luke Grindlay 14 Caleb Carrasco
15 Pranay Singh 15 Callum Brooker
16 Alex Shepherd-Reynolds 16 Scott Henderson
17 Sho Watanabe 18 Cherbel Khouchaba
18 Mark Webber 19 Ryan Kelly
19 Miroslav Malivuk 20 Jordan Martens
20 Jimmy Murdoch-Gibbs 21 Sefa Mamea-Hind
21 Sam Pickering Coach Chris Sambrooke
Coach Besim Balicevac Asst-coach Scott Easthope
Asst-coach Paul Whitmarsh GK-coach Chris Campbell
Manager Phil Pickering Manager Paul Commerford
Asst-manager Jordan Pickering Physio Proactive
Physio TBI Health Capital 2 2020 Saturday September 19 | Memorial Park | 1pm
Petone Men’s Reserves Wellington Marist GK (1) Cameron Irving GK (1) Finlay Smith
GK (22) Ethan Claridge 2 Gary Swain (c)
2 Jack Keenan 3 Andrew Bennett
3 Brad Ebert 4 Kolja Lange
4 Jared Wake 5 Christopher Bell
5 Ethan Findley 6 Jack Wright
6 Will Grantham 7 Beau Lyttle
7 Tom Carney 8 Gavin Peattie
8 Kelly Higgins 9 Lathim Greig
9 Matt Jones 10 Timothy Fenton
10 Alastair Morris 11 Marcus Tso
11 Jimmy Murdoch-Gibbs 12 Liam Quirke
12 Niranjan Subraminian 13 Emil Gilchrist
13 Shaun de Roo (c) 14 Alexander Balkhausen
14 Zach Watson 15 Harry Brown
15 Dylan Goddard 16 Liam Hagan
16 Dylan Benson 17 Thomas Glubb
17 Max McGuinness 18 Connor Boyd
18 Seth Loughran Coach Graeme Davidson
19 Nick Edginton
20 Mark Webber
21 Adam Chard
Coach Ben Feld
Manager Richard Wake
Physio TBI Health Men’s First Team Matches
June 13 | Miramar Rangers | home – 0-2
June 20 | North Wellington | away – 1-0 M Pickering
June 27 | Napier City Rovers | home – 1-6 Ta Eh Doe
July 5 | Wairarapa United | away – 2-2 M Pickering, S Pickering
July 11 | Waterside Karori | home – 3-0 J Scott-Greenfield 2, S Pickering
July 18 | Stop Out | away – 1-3 L Grindlay
July 25 | Wellington Olympic | home – 0-4
August 2 | Western Suburbs | away – 0-1
August 8 | Lower Hutt City | away – 0-5
August 15 | Miramar Rangers | away – 1-1 J Scott-Greenfield
August 22 | North Wellington | home – 1-3 A Shepherd-Reynolds
August 30 | Napier City Rovers | away – 0-7
September 5 | Wairarapa United | home – 3-3 J Scott-Greenfield, A Shepherd-Reynolds, I Snell
September 12 | Waterside Karori | away – 2-0 A Shepherd-Reynolds, L Grindlay
September 19 | Stop Out | home –
September 26 | Wellington Olympic | away –
October 3 | Western Suburbs | home –
October 10 | Lower Hutt City | home – Women’s First Team Matches
June 13 | Seatoun | away – 4-1 L Boobyer 3, T Nemet-Sargent
June 20 | Wellington Utd Diamonds | home – 0-3
June 27 | North Wellington | away – 1-0 L Boobyer
July 4 | Western Suburbs | home – 2-0 E Fibbes, E Yates
July 11 | Palmerston Nth Marist | away – 3-5 C O’Reilly 3
July 18 | Waterside Karori | home – 0-0
July 25 | Western Suburbs | away – 5-0 L Boobyer 3, A McIntosh, C O’Reilly
August 1 | Palmerston Nth Marist | home – 2-4 C O’Reilly, E Humphrey
August 8 | Wairarapa United | home – 4-3 E Humphrey 3, K McKenzie
August 15 | Seatoun | home – 5-1 C O’Reilly, L Boobyer, A McIntosh, E Humphrey, A Gallagher-Forbes
August 22 | Wellington Utd Diamonds | away – 0-5
August 29 | North Wellington | home – 1-2 E Humphrey
September 5 | Waterside Karori | away – 2-2 A McIntosh, O Gibbs
September 12 | Wairarapa United | away – 1-2 E Fibbes Central League and W-League Tables
p w d l f a gd pts
Western Suburbs 14 12 0 2 26 7 19 36 Miramar Rangers 14 11 1 2 40 13 27 34 Wellington Olympic 14 10 0 4 46 15 31 30 North Wellington 14 6 0 8 32 28 4 18 Napier City Rovers 14 5 2 7 30 28 2 17 Waterside Karori 14 5 2 7 23 38 -15 17 Lower Hutt City 14 5 1 8 31 29 2 16 Liquid IT Petone 14 3 3 8 15 37 -22 12 Wairarapa United 14 3 3 8 19 46 -27 12 Stop Out 14 3 2 9 19 40 -21 11
p w d l f a gd pts
Wellington Utd Diamonds 14 12 1 1 61 11 50 37 Palmerston Nth Marist 14 12 1 1 60 13 47 37 Waterside Karori 14 7 3 4 30 23 7 24 Wairarapa United 14 6 3 5 38 33 5 21 Powerex Petone 14 6 2 6 30 28 2 20 Western Suburbs 14 3 1 10 11 43 -32 10 Seatoun 14 2 2 10 16 52 -36 8 North Wellington 14 1 1 12 8 51 -43 4
Central League One Champions – 1990
Coached by Graeme Boomer, with John Morriss and Ron Ebert as managers, the Petone FC Men’s First Team conquered Central League for the first time in the club’s long history in 1990.
Furthermore, in full testament to the style and spirit displayed in the way they went about winning Central League One, the team was also awarded the league’s Fair Play Trophy for that season.
We celebrate the 30th anniversary of this significant milestone through the following recollections of a stalwart of that team and subsequent club Life Member, Andy Badrick, alongside comments interspersed from the coach, a manager and a handful of fellow players.
t was 30 years ago, which is half of my life ago – 1990 – and what a fantastic, Imemorable year. The Commonwealth Games were held in Auckland, Ian Marshall was the All Whites coach, hit songs such as “U Can’t Touch This” (MC Hammer), “Love Shack” (The B-52’s) and “Ice Ice Baby” (Vanilla Ice) filled the airwaves, New Zealand had three Prime Ministers, DB Export Dry was the popular beer at the club, it was the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi and I will not mention which team topped the English Football League – but will say it took them another 30 years to do so again!
And of course, most importantly, Petone FC won the Central League!!! Some players in the squad may have gone onto bigger and better things, but for me and I am sure for many involved, it was the career highlight. That’s not just because we won the league, but because of the camaraderie both within the squad and also throughout the club. As Wayne Ebert (Wayno) aptly describes: “We were never the best individuals as far as 11 players went, but together as a team and spirit, we showed we were the strongest.” And as Steve McCann posted on Facebook: “1990 Central League One winners, probably the best and most consistent side I played in.”
The squad What a great squad and management team – Graeme, John and Ron – and when you think of the players that we did not have regular access to due to Hutt Valley United (HVU) such as Paul Schrijvers, Brent Meachen and Mark Wroe – the latter in theory only allowed to play limited game time. Russell Turner was also injured for most of the season, Paul Olsthoorn was overseas and we let Dave MacIntyre go to Olympic – and he ended up scoring against us! Recounts Graeme: “The build up to the success of 1990 in winning the Central League was in some part formulated in 1989. The 1989 season saw the introduction of players such as Mark Wroe, Paul Baker, Greg Stewart, Johnny Groves and Steve Slack, and Steve McCann returned from injury [during the season]. This complemented existing players such as Greg Revell, Brett Williams, Wayne Ebert and Andy Badrick. The rebuilding process was nearly complete and Petone finished third. “It was important to retain the services of Mark – the best import player ever – and make the important signing of Paul Bleyenga from Tawa. A bonus was the emergence of Kevin Morgan from the Reserves and later during the season Joe Carlin arrived from Lower Hutt.” From memory I think we used a number of goalies that year with Greg Revell (Revie) being the mainstay but we also had the likes of Gary Stapleton (Stapes) – who could get very excited even then! – Ian Walker and even Johnny Groves may have had a go between the sticks. Our defence was very solid with Bretty, Greg Stewart (Rocky), Kev Morgan, Steve McCann and Wayno, and the likes of Davey Johnson providing cover. I remember at training hating being paired up with Steve because he was such an uncompromising defender. Kev and Greg were also tough characters to train with. Steve Slack (Slacky) used to hate getting paired up with Kev – all knees and elbows, and very tenacious. Sometimes Graeme would finish Thursday sessions with a matchday-type game where we were told not to hold back – there were some interesting discussions when tackles went flying. Graeme: “Training was always intense – very rarely did any player who was in the squad miss training – and it enabled this dedicated group of players to become very fit and able to play to the blueprint that was established at the beginning of the 1990 season.” In midfield we had the likes of Mark (Wroey) when he was available – a great player and team-mate who always had a grin and joke at hand – and the likes of Johnny – who always apologised profusely to the opposition players he kicked (what a nice guy!), Robbie Dunn, Jim Massey and myself. We had flying wingers in Paul Bleyenga (Bangers), Paul Baker (Bakes) and for the latter part of the season Joey Carlin. They created havoc. Note, Bakes never gave the ball back in 1990 either! In Slacky we had someone who just loved scoring goals, got grumpy when he didn’t but luckily scored a hat full that year. We had Dave MacIntyre for the first part of the season, a young Dion Bartosh and Iain MacIntyre (Dave’s son) played some games, and also in the training squad was the likes of a young Wayne Tansley who made a Chatham Cup appearance. Additionally, we had cameo appearances from two 1982 World Cup squad members – Grant Turner and Barry Pickering – what an honour to play with those two greats. Although, as Bretty recalls, Graeme also played in the Chatham Cup game away to Nelson. Bretty: “Not surprisingly we lost that game, with Boomer playing sweeper!” Summarises Graeme: “The nucleus of the squad was formed which allowed adjustments to be made to the playing style – the blueprint – with two out-and-out• wingers, Home a striker who wasLoans committed to play penalty box to • Life Insurance • Commercial Loans • Health Insurance • Construction Loans • Business Insurance • Home Loans • Life Insurance • Commercial Loans • Health Insurance • Construction Loans • Business Insurance • Vehicle & Asset Finance • Vehicle & Asset Finance
BrendonBrendon May May 021 875 700 | 04 939 8230 Level 1, 14-18 Pretoria19 CornwallStreet, Lower Street, HuttLower Hutt04 5010 939 8230 021 875 700 [email protected]@mandishop.co.nzwww.mortgageandinsuranceshop.co.nz | www.mandishop.co.nz Brendon May Level 1, 14-18 Pretoria Street, Lower Hutt 04 939 8230 021 875 700 [email protected] www.mortgageandinsuranceshop.co.nz Potted Petone FC highlights – 1990 Men’s First Team won Central League One for the first time, the league’s Fair Play Trophy and were Hutt Valley Cup holders Men’s Third Team won Wellington 3 Men’s Sixth Team won Presidents 1 second round Men’s Seventh Team (Celtics) won Presidents 2 qualifying Men’s Eighth Team (All Stars) won Presidents 2 second round Men’s Ninth Team (Pet Shop Boys) won Presidents 4 qualifying Women’s Third Team won Women’s 4 qualifying club team numbers – 11 men, one men’s youth, three women, 20 juniors club playing numbers – 194 men/men’s youth/women, 240 juniors estimated Sampled from the Petone FC Yearbook 1990 kindly compiled by Ray Bell
penalty box lines – otherwise the striker would be sitting on the bench – hard-running midfielders who covered territory, won tackles/second phase ball and paved space for a creative Number 10, and a back four whose covering/sweeping game was essential when defending, along with a very reliable goalkeeper.”
Memorable games our first game was home against Wainui and we lost 3-1 – I mostly remember because I scored the consolation goal – top goal scorer for a week! Graeme: “The rocky start to the season led to a rethink of playing personnel and after these adjustments the team settled down to play a brand of soccer that was enjoyed by the supporters.” the quickest goal I have ever experienced was Wroey at home against Wellington United from the kick off. When I reminded Wroey of this his response was: “Keeper wanted baggin’.” He also had a view on goalies that I will not repeat – a man of few words!?! our home game against Olympic was played in awful wet, soggy conditions. From memory the referee gave us the option whether to play or to call off. We ended up deciding to play – big mistake, we lost Bretty: “To describe the conditions for that Olympic game as soggy, is a bit of an understatement – more like a swimming pool! My recollection is of lining up aquaplaning slide tackles from ten-15 feet out. Probably not acceptable these days!” our second-to-last game was against Miramar Rangers away and we really needed to win but ended up drawing 2-2. We were very down after the game and I remember Miramar chanting some rather pointed barbs in the changing rooms next door Graeme: “Blips in the season happened and this was the case in the game against Miramar in which Petone dropped two points in gaining a 2 -2 draw. A win would have put more pressure on Nelson who were a point behind and vying with Petone to be top of the Central League table.” I remember the last game against Wainui away – we won 1-0 thanks to a great header from Barry crossed in by Dion. We had lost four players to HVU. While we did not play that well, it was good to finish the season on a winning note – we all believed our chances of winning the league had gone as Nelson were playing Havelock North, the bottom team [Ed – Andy and Steve McCann apologised to the club that night]. But I also remember Stevie Ryan bringing his work truck to the game with a whole load of supporters – it was a great atmosphere and really appreciated by the players Slacky: “Barry was up front because I got called up to play in a meaningless match for HVU [Andy: I believe HVU lost 7-1]. Graeme’s request to have me released was denied and I sulked my way through the whole match – not like me at all. I remember being over the moon when I heard Picks had scored the winner!” John Morriss: “Graeme did a great job coaching the team considering some good players were missing.” Graeme: “The two players that came in – Barry Pickering and Dion Bartosh – slotted in well and it was this partnership that gave Petone the win to take us back to the top of the table.” Bretty: “Ultimately, it was a great goal from Baz to clinch the title.”
Discovering we had won the league Central League officials were so confident that Nelson were going to win, they had taken the trophy down for their game against Havelock North. The series of events that followed are now etched in Petone FC folklore! I remember being at home on the Sunday watching the Chatham Cup final – quite a good game from memory – and getting a call from Wayno telling me that Nelson had drawn with Havelock and that we had won the league. We all organised to meet at the club. John Morriss: “It was certainly a nervous wait after hearing the game in Nelson was goalless at halftime and even more remarkable as the Havelock players had had a heavy night out on the town the night before.” Bretty: “This was in the days before Internet and cell phones – I think the first I heard we’d won the league was when Steve McCann walked up the drive and knocked on our back door!” Slacky was actually at the cup final and Bakes only got hold of him when he finally got home. Slacky: “I thought he was pulling my leg. One of the best nights ever ensued – the way the whole club came out to celebrate was very, very special.” I remember getting down to the clubrooms and celebrating, everyone was so surprised and having such a fantastic night. I believe the beers were free that night. Such a great atmosphere. Bretty: “I remember going from still nursing one hangover from the night before to very quickly starting on another!” John Morriss: “It was a fabulous night at the Petone club on Sunday after the unexpected result.” Russell Turner: “It was a special group of dudes and it was Petone’s time to have some results go our way when needed, great history.” I remember us playing crazy games like people standing on a table and falling forwards and being caught by everyone – Joe, we did not deliberately fail to catch you but you did go feet-first! And I remember the following week we had a special prize giving and the presentation of the trophy – again, a great night.
Final thoughts Not only did we win the league and the Fair Play Trophy, but we also retained the Hutt Valley Cup which was put up by the holder each time they played against another Hutt Valley team. Many a victorious night we would toast our victory and fill the cup up with all sorts of evil concoctions. We discovered a new drink when a core group of us went away to Surfers Paradise for a football tournament – which we also won! – called a “Slippery xxxx” (most probably politically incorrect to include the last word nowadays!). Slacky: “The Surfers trip is also full of top memories. Screaming on the roller coaster, Bakes trying to drink the top row of a very long bar – and failing miserably – our crap haka, the ‘Petone Slap’. Great times and, like Andy, the highlight of my football career.” It is also worth acknowledging the club’s management committee, which was very supportive and in particular remembering the likes of John Bradbury, Steve Minogue, Dave Agent and Tony Hilton, who sadly are no longer with us. There were other Petone officials/stalwarts such as Sue Pickering, Phil Pickering, Ray Bell, Graham Hickling and Campbell Sutherland who are still around and still making significant contributions to the club. I similarly recall the likes of Tony Buckley, Tony Stent, Les Pickering, Laurie Sutherland and Mike Whalen – and am sure I have missed lots of other important names – but please forgive me, it was half of my life ago! We had a great club atmosphere and fantastic support from everyone at the club. Thank you all from the 1990 Central League One Champions! Article kindly provided by Andy Badrick
Volunteers welcomed! Petone FC relies on the support of our community to maintain our family-friendly club and we are always in need of both volunteers and funding. We would love to see you attend this season’s functions, as listed in our events calendar within this programme, and would welcome any offers of a little time to help out. This could be helping run gamedays, manning the bar or you may have a particular skill the club could use on one of our committees. If interested please contact Matt Bliss
Central League One Table 1990
p w d l f a gd pts
Petone 22 15 3 4 40 21 +19 48 Nelson United 22 14 4 4 42 20 +22 46 Wainuiomata 22 11 3 8 36 23 +13 36 Wellington Olympic 22 10 6 6 40 28 +12 36 Stop Out 22 9 6 7 29 28 +1 33 Tawa 22 9 3 10 38 38 0 30 Porirua Viard United 22 7 6 9 31 32 -1 27 Lower Hutt City 22 7 6 9 21 28 -7 27 Miramar Rangers 22 7 5 10 28 38 -10 26 Wellington United 22 5 7 10 27 38 -11 22 New Plymouth City 22 6 4 12 26 40 -14 22 Havelock North Wanderers 22 3 5 14 25 49 -24 14 Men’s First Team League Apps/Goals 1990
Andy Badrick 22 3 Robert Dunn 6 Paul Baker 22 4 Ian Walker 6 Brett Williams 22 3 David MacIntyre 5 1 Wayne Ebert 21 1 Brent Meachen 5 1 Steve Slack 21 13 Dion Bartosh 4 Kevin Morgan 20 David Johnson 4 Paul Bleyenga 16 3 Gary Faulds 3 1 John Groves 16 2 Gary Stapleton 3 Steve McCann 16 Iain MacIntyre 2 Mark Wroe 14 5 Paul Schrijvers 2 Greg Revell 13 Barry Pickering 1 1 Joe Carlin 11 1 Grant Turner 1 Greg Stewart 11 Russell Turner 1 Jim Massey 8 Own goals 1
Note: Squad members not represented above – Graeme Boomer, Paul Casey and Wayne Tansley – made Chatham Cup appearances For all of your communications writing and graphic design needs, including:
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Wellington, New Zealand A Brief History Formed in 1898, Petone FC is one of the oldest football clubs in New Zealand and is the longest-surviving in our original form – non-amalgamated – in Wellington. Major on-field achievements have included: Chatham Cup winners – 1928, 1930 and 1949 Chatham Cup semifinalists – 1994 Chatham Cup quarterfinalists – 1995 Junior National Cup (New Zealand U18) winners – 1979 National Youth Championship (New Zealand U19) winners – 2008 annual Wellington preseason tournament (progressively known as the Hilton-Petone Cup) winners – 1956, 1985, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2013 Central League One Division winners – 1990 Capital Federation Premier League winners – 2006, 2007 and 2019 Women’s Central League winners – 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 Petone FC also finished runners-up in the Central League Premier Division in 1992, 1996 and 2008 as well as the Capital Federation Premier League in 2005, 2017 and 2018. The club organises the annual preseason Hilton-Petone Cup tournament which, since 1955, has attracted an almost maximum number of entries from clubs in the Wellington region and which is an established part of the local football scene.