01/08/2009 Hunters Hill Clean Out Epping

HUNTERS Hill Rugby Club sit on top of the Suburban Club Championship in their push for promotion after recording their third clean sweep in as many weeks.

The Hillies downed Epping 29-14 in first grade to narrow Merrylands lead on the ladder to three points. Boasting the return of captain Dave Weston and flanker Like MacClennan from overseas, Hillies managed to take the game away from a tired Epping side in the last ten minutes.

After a slow start Hillies put points on the board with tries from prop Weston and flanker Alex Vertoudakis.

The Black & Whites defence was tested fully after the break but they responded with solid tackling and rucking work. Full back Chase Mason managed to extend the Hillies lead, making it 17-7 through a penalty, before Epping finally managed to cross the line, kicking the conversion to narrow the difference to just three points.

But Hillies crossed twice with deft passing and execution from the backline with No 10 Dave Marshall and winger Matt Lane grabbing the tries.

In the minor grades, Hunters Hill seconds won 12-5; the unbeaten thirds 40-0 and fourths 41-0.