02/05/2009 Cards aplenty in merrylands derby

Hunters Hill Rugby First Grade side has suffered their first loss of the season going down 38-26 in a spiteful encounter against the undefeated Merrylands Wolves at Holroyd on Saturday.

In a match that featured 4 yellow and two red cards, Hillies were forced to do without their regular try-scorer Jordan Butler after the towering lock was controversially sent off following two infringements at the breakdown.

In a scrappy and ill-disciplined first-half, Hillies were organised in patches, working a slick forward’s play to see openside Alex Vertodaukis touch down in the corner. Returning Englishman Dave Marshall also managed to slice through for a five pointer as the black and whites kept in touch with the Wolves who had accumulated three penalties and a late try.

The second half would prove a tough one for Hillies as Merrylands’ ferocious style of play began to take it’s toll. Tries to courageous skipper Dave Weston and fleet-footed Will Carew secured a late bonus point however they could not secure a victory with the final five tries to four margin was a fair indication of a match that on the day seemed just out of Hunters Hill’s reach. Despite the loss, Hunters Hill retain a solid third position in the first grade table and will look forward to the return fixture at the hallowed Boronia Park.

Despite the First Grade defeat a superb performance by the lower grades ensured Hunters Hill retain top billing in the overall club championship. In the Seconds, Nathan Peters produced a 5 star performance at No.8 to inspire an epic 18-17 win. In the Thirds ageless warrior Tim Dodds put in a kamikaze performance in a 22-7 victory. The reigning premiers Fourths again waited for the final play to put the finishing touch on a Pat Feige-inspired 15-12 victory, their 19th in succession. They, like the Thirds, remain unbeaten this season.

This weekend marks one of the highlights of the Hunters Hill Season with Ladies Day being held at Boronia Park. Fixtures against Hawkesbury Valley are sure to add a dash of entertainment to what is always a very social and enjoyable day.