Weekly Newsletter August 20
Hunters Hill take a step closer to Division one
This Saturday promises to be an exciting spectacle for Hunters Hill Rugby club. Hillies will take on Briars Rugby club for the opportunity to get promoted to Division 1 if the team collects enough points over all the Grades. The cause was helped by wins for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade on Saturday at Boronia Park against Newport.
1st Grade had a number of players missing and had to make some changes from the side which defeated Oatley the week before. With nothing to play for except pride and the opportunity to spoil Hillies chances, Newport brought the game to the home side and had no intention of rolling over. They were very physical in the rucks and were highly organized in the set piece.
Hunters Hill were struggling to dominate in the pack and keep hold of the ball in contact.
Fortunately, Hillies counter attack, led by the pace of full back Burzin Mehta, was always dangerous and good work on the wings by Matt Lane and Dan Casa meant Hillies were always a threat. Hunters Hill took a healthy lead into half time depsite not being too convincing.
The 2nd half was much the same, both sides sharing points, with Mehta and No. 10 Bruce Purcell both kicking impressively, creeping Hillies further ahead. In the last 20 minutes, the Boronia Side got two tries through forwards Tom Kellaway and David Weston to put the result beyond doubt.
Hillies won 41-28, with Duncan Taylor collecting the player points and leading the back line well all game.
3rd grade
In somewhat typical style, third grade ground out another hard fought win 14-5.
Still smarting from the previous encounter against Newport a fortnight ago, which saw the finals aspirations of 3rd grade extinguished and coupled with the fact that it was Luke MacLennan's last game for Hunters Hill before returning to NZ, the side had a more than a few reasons to come out firing on Saturday.
The game got off to a positive start with the Hillies forwards dominating the rucks and scrums from the kick off. After dominating the early stages of the game, Hillies conceded some territory and a defensive error saw Newport open the scoring.
Hillies went straight back on the attack and spent a majority of time in the Newport half. A couple of missed opportunities, saw some frustration brewing but the side composed themselves and a quick tap saw an offload to Dom Curran to score Hillies first points of the match.
The forwards laid a solid platform all day. Brian Walker dominated his opposition in the scrums. Jonathon Shingler was everywhere, along with Dom Curran, Kit Baigent and Matt Macrae who were all over the Newport forwards.
At halftime, the score was 7-5 in favour of Hunters Hill.
The 2nd half opened with an early try to Rob Gray against the run of play, to see the margin extended to 14-5. From then on, it was end to end stuff with neither side capitalising on their opportunities. James Hammond, returning from injury sustained in the previous match against Newport, steadied the ship at fullback and the inside defence of Rob Gray and Luke MacLennan saw most Newport charges shutdown before they got any momentum.
Some strict refereeing decisions later in the 2nd half saw Newport get a roll on and make in-roads to Hillies red-zone, and eventually Hillies were reduced to 14 men. Despite this, Newport could not crack the rock solid defence.
Last but not least, a big thanks to Luke MacLennan for his past 2 seasons at Hunters Hill and for his efforts in 3rd grade this year more than capably filling a few different positions throughout the season. We wish him all the best for the future.
4th Grade
Newport 22 def Hunters Hill 10
A very disappointing first half saw Newport score three comparatively easy tries, to establish a healthy 17-0 lead at the break. We seemed a little overawed by their pace and power and when we did have the ball, paid the price for being both anxious and hasty in our decision making.
It must be said that the very poor offside lines contributed to the pressure we seemed constantly, to be under.
The second half was a very different story. Much better composure, an increased work rate and again, a reliance on our strengths at the contest saw us outscore Newport two tries to one. Mike Evans scored a cracker in his first game back from injury, while hard working lock James Edwards was also rewarded with a five pointer.
Take heart from that result fellas, we know that the playing field was not quite even, but we go to Rothwell this week knowing that we are still a strong chance of making the semi finals, our first year back in division two.
Colts
L 15 22
Unfortunately for the Colts Newport again exposed our defence and tactical weaknesses. In a match that we hoped to turn around from a defeat two weeks ago, we leaked two tries in the first ten minutes. This put us back on our heels. We did well to come back even though our scrum and lineout were at times under pressure but our inability to catch the high ball on the full allowed Newport to prosper. This coupled with our failure to use the prevailing conditions of sun and wind plus our impatience when we did get within striking distance let us down badly.
We can still win again any side in the competition but we must take off our pumpkin heads and reinstall our thinking rugby brains. Also, as demonstrated by some in recent weeks by not attending and/or being late to training and late on game days plus obvious over imbibing on Friday night show our hunger for success is low.
If we want it enough, success can be achieved. If not, then a wasted season.
Very
Angry
Best and Fairest: 3 Tala Semu; 2 Nick Roach; 1 Alex Lloyd
Tries: 1 each to Latu Havea and Cosmo Jones
Goals: 1 conversion and 1 penalty to Mike Kellaway
A side note that Newport had a little of the last laugh when their ranga beat our ranga when downing a cup (yes cup!) of beer. A certain Mister Butler needs some practice (and a mirror).
Hunters Welcomes Mahala's Cafe
New and exciting Cafe in Hunters Hill serving scrumptious cakes, pastries, pies and only the best coffee! Proudly sponsoring the Hunter’s 7 team this year.
Training
Doesn't matter if it's cold, wet or windy, there are guys who consistently turn up, so don't let them down. The weather's going get better from now on in! Get to Boronia BOTH nights and be ready to go at 7pm. The earlier we start, the earlier we finish. We have potentially 4 out of 6 teams into the finals, and after last year, I'm sure there is a hunger to get a trophy or two. So from next week, get to training.
1st Grade Manager Jim Bone. 0410 439 901
2nd Grade Manager Luke Mc. 0414 091 800
3rd Grade Manager Don Ramsay: 0439 408 345
4th Grade Coach Richie Colley: 0402 430 472
4th Grade Manager Lindsay Mccormack: 0409 602 049
5th Grade Contact: Jordan Butler: 0438 475 010
Colts: Bruce Lycett (Angry): 0421 530 844
U85kg Managers: John Hibbert: 0403 242 551
Malcolm Baird: 0424 578 042
NEXT GAME
 vs  |
21/08/10 Round 18 - Saturday
Briars vs Hunters Hill
@ Rothwell Park
UPCOMING SOCIALS
21/08/10 End of Season Party
This Saturday sees the last game of the season. Come down the HHH's to toast the year so far as we look ahead to the semis.
26/08/10 Visit the sponsor night
It's that time of the month where Bally Bar gets a little irritable and just wants a time out. Thankfully HHH have stepped up to the mark and have offered players a deal that they cannot refuse. $15 gets you a beer and Sweet and Sour Pork. We'll be sitting outside so rug up.
18-09-2010 Presentation Night
Tickets are now on sale. Cost is $50 this year, and it is worth every dollar. Food, and evenings entertainment and a video presentation to match the Academy Awards. You don't want to miss out on getting your award if you win so stick it in your diaries NOW! It will be a great way to toast another great year. We've almost confirmed a top line guest speaker. More information coming your way, and please ask Timmy V for further details.
Rego Fees
$200 for Seniors, $150 for Students and $100 for Under 85kgs. As of this weekend, YOU WILL NOT PLAY IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID!
Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062182
Acct# 00903188
Please put your name against your payment so we know who it is from.
Another way to pay your fees is through individual sponsorships i.e. Get someone like your boss or company to sponsor you for the amount of your rego and we will list them as club sponsors on game day brochures and the website.
Remember the quicker you pay your fees, the quicker you get one of our new adidas tracksuits. They are being snapped up quick so pay up!
Granddad's Laws
There are 28 Laws of Rugby and here are your Granddad’s versions.
1. Tackle
2. Tackle
3. Tackle
4. Back up
5. Back up
6. Back up
7. If you are away from the play get up and run or at least jog (if you can’t do this you need to train more) to where the ball is going to be, not necessarily where it is. If all else fails jog up the centre of the pitch. Keep moving.
8. Never take your eye off the ball when you are near it. 99.99% of knock ons occur because of a moment’s inattention just as the ball comes to you. Watch the TV games they will prove this. A rider to this law states that you should ALWAYS run with your hands at the ready to take a pass, never by your side
9. The most dangerous man on the field is the man with the ball. (An oldy but a goody)
10. When you are absolutely out of breath and cannot move an inch, …. move. You will eventually get your second wind and it will seem as a miracle, it happened to me and when it does you will feel as fresh as a daisy.
11. Read the game
12. Always run with the wind in the first half. It can stop or change direction. No one predicts the weather right.
13. If you are kicking off hold the ball high in the air over your head and look for the shadow. If you can see the shadow that is the side to kick to as the ball will be coming down out of the sun at the receiver
13.1 If there is no sun kick to the right. Most people are right handed and this will make the opposition pass from left to right if they get possession or you will be passing from right to left if you get possession. This is the easier way for right handers
14. Always kick high on kick off unless you have a very strong wind at your back
15. When you are trapped in your own quarter and have possession from set play don’t waste it by kicking out. Usually you gain little ground and just give them possession. Kick long and up the sideline, with luck they will take it out for you. Make sure you practice this at training so everyone knows what is happening
16. A kick without chasers is not on
16.1 A well practiced and constructed triple inside pass from a tap penalty near their line is almost impossible to stop especially in touch footy
17. Never cry on the field, it only encourages the opposition. If you must cry save it for a sensitive girlfriend.
18. Never fight amongst yourselves on the field, it only encourages the opposition
19. If you have breath to talk on the field you are not running hard enough. If you must say something on the field say it to your own team and make it positive.
20. A time will come when the biggest thug ever to put on a pair of footy boots is bearing down on you at a great rate of knots and there is only you between him and the goal line. Look him in the eye, run straight at him and hang on. Remember the racecourse saying, ‘weight stops trains’. If you cannot do this choose another sport.
20.1 Develop a good fend and always run with the ball in the hand on the other side to that from which the opposition will tackle you.
21. Never rest on the field, that’s what half time and full time are for. You will never spend enough time playing footy. The number of minutes in your life that you will actually spend on the field is numbered so don’t waste them. You will spend most of your life in retirement from rugby and regret every game you cannot or could not play in
22. If you are lucky or hard working or talented enough to play in a team that makes a Grand Final enjoy it. Most football players will play their whole lives and never make a Grand Final.
23. Learn one good song. (“Whisky in the Jar” is a favourite of mine, thanks Brunno)
24. After the game think about it; what was your opposite number like, did he have weaknesses, habits eg some five eighths always step inside, did he go missing after hit by a strong tackle, was he suspect under the high ball?
24.1 After the game think about the opposition, what defensive pattern did they use? Did their wingers fall back when you had possession in your quarter? was anyone suspect under a high ball? could their full back tackle? who was their most dangerous player [never kick anywhere near him], was the scrum any good? was their mauling technique good? Remember you are going to play them again in the second round.
25. Learn the laws of the game. (eg you CAN score a try and NOT put the ball over the line … what! … How? … by having the ball touching the ground and a goal post)
26. Remember ‘backs’ are people who like to hang around with footballers
27. The first player to pick in any rugby team is the goal kicker.
27.1 When coaching make all training enjoyable (players like to compete against each other) and as near to real game type situations as possible. Remember no one sprints one hundred metres in a game so sprints and runs should be short (22metres maximum) and with a simulated tackle at the end. Players should be responsible for their own fitness training NOT YOU - don't waste valuable team training time on fitness, players should be doing that in their own time seven days a week. Although a sock run - (ten dollars in your sock) a long run that finishes handily adjacent to a pub is an exception and good bonding early in the season.
28. Never argue with the referee. The captain can ask for interpretations of rulings but that is ALL (see rule 19)
John G
Kentwell '77
CCTV
This weekend is make or break for Hunters Hill. We're playing Briars and need to be on our game. This does not just rest on first grade winning. It's going to take a mighty effort from everyone. Briars know how much we want to shoot up a division and will be more than happy to be the team that spoils our party.
So I'm going to ask one thing of the playing community this Saturday, and that's to support the rest of the club for the whole day. That means cheering on the Colts from 11am right through to first grade. In order to whitewash Briars we need all your support. I've spoken about the importance of this all year, now more than ever it's about the club achieving it's 2010 goal.
Remember to vote this weekend!!
I see the headline now
Weston scores 9 in one go.
I love Scrabble headlines.
