01/05/2010 Hunters vs Hornsby

If Hunters Hill had any doubts about what the step up to Division 2 would entail, they will surely realize now what it will take to win games this season. After 4 games, Hillies 1st Grade sit at 4th in the division after a gritty win against Hornsby on Saturday.

Hunters Hill could not have made a better start to the game and dominated early on. Alex Light crossed the line after good work by No. 9 Canaan Tuhura. David Marshall scored his first points of the season converting from the touch line. Tuhura was involved again for the 2nd try, this time scoring himself, running onto an offload from prop David Weston. Marshall once again converted to put Hillies up 14-0 and looking ruthless. Matt Lane finished off a great passage of play, scoring on his 1st Grade re-call, and Marhsall slotted home a penalty to give Hunters Hill a healthy 22-0 lead at half time.

The opening half an hour of the 2nd half saw Hillies put under pressure by a determined Hornsby come back. 3 tries in quick succession got Hornsby back into the game and gave Hunters Hill plenty to do to hold onto a win. A penalty and a drop kick from No. 10 Marshall kept Hornsby at bay, and winger Dan Casa crossed the line in the final minutes to put the victory beyond a doubt and hand Hillies a deserved and hard fought bonus point win, going up 33-19.

The 2nd Grade kept their unbeaten run to the season going, all be at the expense of a 0-0 draw. The game struggled to flow, with mistakes from both sides. Hillies had plenty of opportunities to cross the line, but it just was not their day. Hooker Nick Roach had a great game, leading from the front of the pack.

3rd Grade were unlucky to go down 15-7 in a game which could have gone either way. 4th Grade put in a solid performance, winning 17-0. Alex Ronzel and James Wookey were stand outs.

The colts came very close against the a solid Hornsby side, losing in a thrilling game. Hornsby got up 26-22, but once again, it could have gone either way. Tristan Reid and Jon Ah Lam had strong games.

The Hunters Hill 5th grade gave a great performance and won 22 - 7. Viren Fernando, Jeremy Caulfield, Dan Cummings, James Edwards all had great games against  Macquarie University.

Special mention to big Andy Johnson, making his return to playing. Andy has been coaching 3rd Grade this year but Saturday saw him take to the field for 4ths, 3rds and 2nds. There is no truth in the rumour that Andy would not play until Hunters organised a homage to his nickname. See photo of Andy 'Uluru' Johnson.

This week see's Hunters Hill entertain Waverley at Boronia Park. Hillies will be hosting their annual ladies day. 1st Grade kick is at 3.15pm.