Weekly Newsletter August 27

It goes to show how high Hunters Hill's confidence have grown in the last two years that there was a general feeling of disappointment at Briars on Saturday. Although going into the game with three out of five grades guaranteed a semi-finals place, there was expectation. An expectation of performing the miracle, promotion, two years running. And not like last year where we had claimed that Club Championship with games to spare. This was down to the wire, it came down to one day.

1sts

Hillies went into the game once again with a long list of injuries and absentees. The forwards were without Nick Roach and Alex Light, and James Lindfield sat on the bench still on his way back from injury. The back line was still missing David Marshall, with Ben Bates also sitting out with a knock, and Coach Peter Allen opting to start Nick Brady at No. 10 with Bruce Purcell unavailable for the semi-finals. Luke Bird stepped into No. 9, Jules Arndt to hooker and Colman Taylor slotted into the back row. Once again, the depth of the senior grades can easily explain the success of the 2010 season.

It all started so well. Dan Casa was instrumental in the opening ten minutes, scoring one and then some great touchline running to set up the another. With Burzin Mehta converting one, Hillies were in dreamland and up 12-0. Division 1 beckoned, the feeling was great. Unfortunately, that would the last of Hunters Hill's scoring for the day.

Briars came back strong and defensive lapses in the middle of the park led to some easy tries conceded. To make matters worse, Luke Bird had to end his game with a shoulder injury and Mehta received a sin bin. The 2nd half was tough for Hillies. For every great piece of play, there was a mistake at the end of it. Balls were dropped or taken from them far to easily in the contact. The penalty count was against Hunters and Briars took full advantage gathering 27 points all in all. It summed up Hillies day when they crossed the line in the final moments for a try, given by the referee, only for him to reverse his decision for an infringement off the ball.

It was a tough game and result to take, but the truth is, this was only the 2nd away defeat for 1st Grade this season, against some tough opposition.
The young heads in the team will take something away from it, and will certainly be looking forward to meeting this Briars side again.

Hillies will take on Kings in the first semi-final this Saturday. The past two meeting have led to two one point victories for the Old Boy's side and the team from Boronia will be looking for revenge and a re-match against Briars in the further finals games.

2nd Grade

A tough encounter against a committed Briars outfit was on hand for boys from Boronia to which we came out victors 34 - 8.

The score line flattered Hillies in what was a very physical encounter. The first half was a scrappy affair which saw Briars dominate territory. To our credit our defensive line held firm and from a Briars error we were able to capitalise and head into Oranges with a slim 8-5 lead.

The second half was a different story with the Black and White army consolidating field position with some clever kicking from five eight Sam Henry. A dominant set piece saw Hillies put on 4 second half tries with the highlight being a magnificent solo try to James "Hammer time" Hammond. Whilst pleased with the win, there needs to be a lot more improvement if we are to complete with St Ives.

Best on ground were Tim Vertoudakis who was strong come scrum time, was settling influence within our pick and drives, James Hammond who provided much needed spark at outside centre, and yet again Jesse Croucher who was his usual pesty self at the breakdown.

A big congratulations to all players who played this year in the 2nd grade side on winning the Minor premiership. Special mention to Michael "Quinney" Quinn who played the majority of the back half of the season and will be off on holidays this weekend. Another special mention to Bruce Purcell who played a couple of games in 2nd grade who also will be holidaying.

Whilst winning the Minor Premiership is nice, it's only job half done. Bring on the Semi Finals and a shot at a straight passage into the big one against a well drilled St Ives team. Get to training on Thursday for a big preparation.

2nd Grade Coaches

3rd Grade

With club championship points needed from all grades, 3rd grade set out to end season on 2010 on a high note and also contribute to the club cause. The last encounter with Briars saw Hillies snatch victory by 1 point in the dying seconds with a penalty goal, and Briars were keen to get some revenge.

Unfortunately there were once again some late changes to the line-up and a number of players were recruited in the last hour before game time. A big thank you to all the colts that jumped in at late notice and had a run.

The match started off well for Hillies dominating Briars forwards in all facets of play. This laid a good platform for the backs to run it wide.

As expected, the match was close and the first points of the match went to Hillies with a try following a scrum win against the feed. The conversion was missed in blustery conditions and the 5-0 lead would remain unchanged until halftime.

The Briars team were never going to give up easily and after the break, they came out firing in the 2nd half. Assisted by a lopsided penalty count, it was only a matter of time before something had to give, and Briars finally found a weak spot in the Hillies defence to score beside the sticks and take a 7-5 lead.

Another late penalty goal to Briars extended their lead to 10-5, which was the score at the final whistle.

To all the players that took part in 3rd grade through the year, it was a challenge but one met with great resolve. Thank you to those who backed up from earlier matches on a Saturday to have another run in 3rds throughout the season.

To Lewis Nottidge and David Polly, thanks for all your efforts this season.

I hope to see all back at Boronia in 2011 where we'll give the club championship another good shake.

Regards,
Joel Firth

4th Grade

Hunters Hill 17 Briars 0

At the end our season came down to one try and a bonus point.  If we're honest with ourselves however,  we should never have found ourselves in that position. In  a game where we completely dominated field position and constantly conjured up opportunities, three tries was a very poor return against the advantages that we enjoyed in this game.  This Briars team was running second last and for us to have finished without a bonus point, proved very costly indeed. Having been positioned comfortably in the top four all season, we have now finished fifth, after Uni scored a surprise win against Newport.

As usual our phase play was exceptional and despite some peculiar interpretations and some frustrating play from our opponents, we continued to build momentum, even in the face of a strong second half breeze. The sideline kept in touch with Newport during the match and when it became apparent that a massive upset was imminent at Porters, scoring four tries and taking a bonus point became a matter of urgency.  The critical point in the match and as it turned out, our season, was Richie's disallowed second half try. 

Despite the disappointment of not being involved in finals, 4ths have performed really well in their first season back in Div 2. Our attitude at training and on game day has been outstanding. We have maintained a core squad of experienced players (all of the buggers CATS), while providing opportunities for younger guys to develop their Rugby skills. Thanks to you and Colts too Mal, for ensuring that we had players and reserves to help out when required.

4th Grade, we can hold our heads high and look forward to being very formidable in 2011.  I'd like to thank all of you for contributing to a really enjoyable season and to Richie in particular, for not just being an inspirational on field leader, but for making my first year of senior coaching at Hillies such a great pleasure...

Colts

Briars pulled out of the game giving the Colts a rest for the weekend

NEXT GAME

vs

28/08/10 Semi Finals
@ David Philips Field
1sts vs Kings @ 15:15
2nds vs St Ives @ 13:45
Colts vs Hornsby @ 9:50

UPCOMING SOCIALS

28/08/10 Semi Finals @ David Philips Field

If you're not playing get up and support the guys as they attempt to win some silverware. All the players have really appreciated the support we've had all year, and would love to see and hear you on Saturday.

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. More information coming your way, and please ask Timmy V for further details.

Lachie Turner, currently in South Africa, has confirmed that he would be delighted to be the guest speaker on the night.

We want to make this bigger then last year, so get your tickets ASAP.

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!

100 CLUB  

Congratulations to Ben Smith, Colman Taylor, Tim Vertoudakis, and Dean Thomson who have all recently joined the 100 game club.

CCTV

Well done last weekend!! We got so close, despite coming second we should take the time to reflect on our achievements!!! This is a fantastic effort and I urge everyone to get down to UNSW's home ground this weekend to cheer on Firsts, Seconds and Colts in the Finals!!! With my social coordinator hat on, I'll be around selling tickets to the presentation night so please bring money. Alternatively, you can send the money to the HH rugby account. The presentation night is on the 18th of September and is going to be a massive event. Let's get behind the three teams and cheer them on to the grand final!!!!!

Love,

CCTV

I love grated lemon on my food.
Dave Zeston.