24/04/2010 Hunters vs Barker Old Boys

Hunters Hill must have been dealt the toughest three games of Division 2 to start the season. UNSW were grand finalists last year, Kings have just come down from Division 1 and then we had to take on Barker Old Boys, 2009 first grade premiers. Despite this, we’ve officially stamped our mark on Division 2, with some great results especially thanks to 2nd Grade's strong performances.

Colts took on the top of the table BOBs, and got mighty close. Mal said a half time “They’re playing with guts but not with their heads” and that was smack on. With missed tackles and lost opportunities we failed to get the equalising seven points. It seemed as though our heads were pinned down driving for extra meters, while no one stopped to see BOBs bunching defence leaving the blindside open several times. A yellow card due to a massive tackle (which may have been late) from breakaway Paul Ah Lam, as well as a reversed penalty mid field didn't help us out. From this, BOBs were able to capitalise and strengthen their lead. A great effort from our next generation of First graders, who look forward to another tough game next round against the higher ranked Hornsby.

Fourths played a lower ranked BOBs, but had to work hard to get the win. It was a very well matched, physical game especially in the forwards. Laurie Mullan felt the brunt of the BOBs defence while attacking in their 22. The tackle was on of the quickest shoulder to the sternum tackles I’d seen in a while, to Laurie’s credit he popped back up to help Hillies attack again. Game ended with HH on 17, Barker 5.

Thirds hit the field with a new look team. Scotty Keenan, Will Carew and Shannon Thomas strengthened the back line. The game wasn’t easy. The first half was quick and play moved everywhere. Not a style suited to forwards, but we kept up the pace. In the second half we were held under siege in our own 22 for at least 20mins and even held BOBs up over the line showing the grit of our forward pack. Third grade's set piece was much stronger with the inclusion of hooker Nick Roach. With four minutes to go, the smart thing would have been to control the ball and hold on to it in the forwards. Pick and goes coupled with one off runs off the half would have been the safe option. Then all we had to do was bide our time before kicking it out on the buzzer. But no, a last minute effort beginning within our 22 with an alley oop style pass from Shannon allowed Will to score under the black dot. Other mentions are to Dom Curran who had an awesome running game and also Kava for his strong lineout jumping. 

Yes second grade has won again, and yes they are still on top of the table. I can assure you it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Coach Harvey gave some stern words of advice at half time. “NO LOLLIPOP PASSES AND FOR GOD SAKE NO LOLLIPOP KICKS” (Radio edit). It was true, too many pop passes off the deck and kicking just for the sake of it didn’t get us anywhere in the first half. The sub had another strong game in the centres. Collins, attempted a head first tackle and came away second best with a ugly fat lip. Gac also had an awesome defensive game, and inexplicably is the leading try scorer for Hunters Hill according to subbies rugby …

After last weeks nail biting effort, first grade were out for a win. This was no easy opposition, but last year’s premiers. The score, 12-32 is not nearly a reflection of the game. Hunters Hill gave it there all and dominated in several facets of play. The game was drawn at half time and no one expected the game to run away from us. It seemed as though we weren’t out classed, but rather handed BOBs the opportunities.

Down on oval 2, our fifth grade went down to Mosman. It was a close game, with hunters hill a mix of old and new guard. Fifths is best described as the Hunters Hill nursery. A comfortable, mentoring environment in which older studs can pass on wisdom to our next generation of stallions before they’re sent to the glue factory.