11/07/2009 Hunters wolfmeat vs merrylands

Hunters Hill Rugby's First Grade side was overrun 46 points to 24 by a rampant Merrylands Wolves side at the weekend in front of a packed house at Boronia Park.

The match, billed as a top of the table clash between the two leading teams in the Clark Cup competition had begun tremendously for Hunters Hill, with their structured play and superior set piece work bringing to bear many attacking opportunities in the opening 20 minutes. With a glut of possession, Hillies powered over four times within the half hour to establish a commanding 24-7 lead. Tries to flanker Colman Taylor, winger Burzin Mehta and centres Sam Henry and Dan Casa seemed to suggest that Hillies would have their revenge after being well beaten by Merrylands in a spiteful first encounter in May.

Dan Casa's five pointer was especially significant given that, amazingly after only 12 fixtures, it was his 22nd of the year. This breaks the Hunters Hill Rugby Club's all-time record for most tries in a season. The fact that there remains 5 further fixtures as well as the finals series to come in Season 2009, Dan should ensure he sets a hefty mark for all who will follow.

While Hunters Hill were breaking records, the early lead would not break the Wolves spirit. The following 50 minutes of the match produced an amazing turnaround as the powerful Merrylands side ran riot, touching down a further 6 times to record a commanding 22 point victory. The Wolves ability to break tackles caused major headaches for the Hillies defence as they struggled without the ball in muddy conditions. The prospect of a return encounter in this year's finals series will loom large in the minds of the Hillies faithful as they strive for promotion to the Barraclough Shield.

In other matches on the day, the Hunters Hill Seconds recorded a clear 14-8 decision in the Farrant Cup with tighthead Cam Van Oirschot a stand-out for the Black and Whites. Centurion Pat Feige would inspire the Thirds to a 12-7 victory to keep their unbeaten season on track while in Fourth Grade Hunters Hill came up short against a talented opposition from Merrylands with new Englishman Dave Bonner a bright spark in a 28-7 loss. Fifth Grade as always were courageous in a tight loss to the Sydney Convicts 14-5 with Laurie Mullan the star.

Despite a mixed round, Hillies remain strongly established in the top four in all grades and more importantly still hold onto hopes for victory in the overall Club Championship. They travel to McQuade Park in Windsor to take on Hawkesbury Valley this weekend