13/04/2010 Hunters Hill Lite vs Knox

Ben Smith starred as a loose forward in the Hunters Hill Under 85kg team on Tuesday night beating Knox Old Boys 15 – 11 in their first 2010 competition match. It was a nail biting last play of the ball thrilling win, which saw the black and white overcome a first division team that included some first and second grade players

With new coach Paul Shields giving a stirring pre match speech, his chargers started fast from the kick off. Experienced flanker Mark ‘Rosie’ Thornton with his first touch, in his first game back this season, scored in the corner after some excellent forward lead up work. Conversion missed but Hillies were off to a flyer. The first half produced many an eye catching run from centre Julian James, and probing attacks led by fly half Adam Stokes kept Knox on the back foot camped in their half. Kit Baigent and his forwards worked hard in the dominating the scrums, but all night the Knox lineout proved the thorn in the side to winning possession. Dominant territory and opportunities never turned into points and Hillies led 5-0 at the break.

With a long line of reserves keeping warm, coaches Shields and Dave Polly tinkered with the side but Hillies didn’t start the same as the first. A penalty goal to Knox followed by an unconverted try gave Knox an 8-5 led. Entertaining winger Burzin Mehta was brought on and he didn’t disappoint, linking up with Matt Lane to cross over out wide to bring the faithful crowd alive. With the conversion unsuccessful Hillies led 10 – 8 with not long to go.

After a drop ball off the kick off, Hillies were under pressure and were penalised in front of the posts, with the Knox kicker on target, Hillies were down 10-11 and there were 4 minutes left. Composure was called for by captain Richie Colley and a cleaver box kick under lights saw the Knox fullback knock on and Hillies with a scrum on the Knox 22, A backline full of promise on the night eager for there chance to amend saw the ball after a couple of phases. Hillies spun the ball wide, hit up by Lane, onto Mehta who shook off a defender to spin and pass to man of the match Ben Smith, with his work cut out, he used all his skill and pace to send him clear of the defender with a strong well-timed palm off and race away to score the match winner.

As they were walking back captain Colley, asked the ref is there time for the kick, the ref laughed and then Stokes’s conversion hit the upright for the second time on the night. Full time was blown and for the Hunters Hill Under 85 kg team a winning start to 2010 and the most points scored by the team in their second season.

The team is looking for more players to add depth to the team, a comp draw with contact details are attached, so if you know anyone interested in getting on board a fast, attractive and skillfull competition get on the phone NOW !

Ron White