4/07/2009 arm wrestle vs balmain

Sam Henry was the hero for Hunters Hill as the First Grade suburban rugby side snatched a thrilling draw against Balmain at Blackmore Oval at the weekend.

Trailing 15-18 as a very tight struggle drew to a close, the New Zealand born inside centre calmly slotted a 30 m drop goal draw the scores level at 18 all before the referee called full-time. It could prove too be a vital moment in battle for the club Championship this season.

It had all started out so well for the Boronia-based club, taking a 15-0 lead early in the first half with prolific centre Dan Casa adding two further tries to his season tally which currently stands at a whopping 21. Bu the Hillies suffered a key injury to playmaker Dave Marshall early in the match and also lost two players to yellow cards during the tussle.

Hillies found themselves on the back foot for most of the second half, as wave after wave of Balmian attack threatened. While Henry's heartbreaker capped a fine all-round performance from the inside-centre, flankers Luke McLennan and Colman Taylor also served Hillies admirably in the loose forwards as they did just enough to avoid defeat against their bitter Leichhardt-based rivals.

The result leaves Hunters Hill First Grade a clear second on the table to the Merrylands Wolves, a side they play this week at home in what promises to be a blockbuster.

In the lower grades Hunters Hill were again well served, securing four hard fought victories away from home. The Seconds, inspired by a double from crafty Number 10 Zane Thomas, snatched an important 17-10 win to ensure clubman Jesse Croucher's 100th match would be a memorable one.  The Thirds cantered to their 11th straight victory in a 21-7 win with 19 year old LaLa Havea the star. The Fourths managed a character filled 7-0 triumph while the Fifths also ran out winners.

Four Victories and a draw leave this week's fixture against Merrylands at Boronia as a virtual play-off for the all important club championship lead.