29/05/2010 Hunters vs Newport

Hunters Hill 1st Grade had the unusual circumstance of being the only Hillies Grade to get a game on Saturday. Poor weather had led to Newport calling off all the other grades, and a good crowd gathered to watch a close game.

With the conditions effecting the play, both teams kept the ball in the forwards for lengthy spells in the first half. The contact was physical and mistakes from both sides meant there was plenty of set pieces. A converted try and a penalty from Newport and two penalties from returning centre Duncan Taylor meant Hillies went into half time 10-6 down.

The second half was much the same. Hillies had the more possession and played patient rugby. Good work around the rucks from James Lindfield and Jules Arndt, and good defence from Nick Giacomini, Ben Bates and Taylor kept Newport on the back foot. No. 9 Canaan Tuhura was always dangerous at the break down and provided good ball for the back line. Two more penalties from Taylor put Hillies in front 12-10 with minutes of the game to play. There were nerves on the side line as Newport were awarded a penalty seconds before the full time whistle. The crowd silently watched the penalty fly wide of the posts leaving Hunters Hill with a vital away win and keeping their place in the top four.

Rest of club played the wet weather make up game on 31/07/10

3rd grade

Hillies 3rd grade met a tough Newport side on Saturday.

Newport started off strongly, on the back of strong scrums and some early Hillies infringements at the ruck to gain good territory.

It took some time for Newport to crack the line and the halftime score of 10-0 was indicative of the quality and commitment of the Hillies defence.

The side knew they had the goods to take it back to Newport and set out in the 2nd half with purpose. The forwards stepped up and held their own which allowed the backs, led by new number 10 Burzin Mehta, more opportunities to send it wide making plenty of metres.

A try to Luke MacLennan early in the 2nd half on the back of some great lead up work saw the margin back to 10-5. The backs were at it again shortly after, with Jarrod Thatcher in the clear and streaking down the wing to pass back inside to Max Pisu to touchdown under the sticks, converted by Laurie Mullan to give Hillies a 12-10 lead.

Newport rallied, applying consistent pressure and with a few penalties on the back of somewhat pedantic refereeing, they finally struck back with a second try mid-way through the 2nd half to snatch the lead back 17-12.

With around 10 minutes to go, a Sam Henry penalty goal brought the margin back to 2 points. From the ensuing kick off, Hillies were straight back on the attack and on the hunt for the win.

It wasn't to be however and a late injury to James Hammond put a sour note on what was otherwise a good tough game. Final score: Newport 17-15 winners.

Latest update on Hammo is that he was out of hospital on Saturday night and is resting up. He is due to have some more scans to ensure there is no serious internal injury. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Colts

Lost 10 – 13

After a fairly good start to the game the forwards in particular, doing some nice pick and drive and other good work progressing the team over the advantage line, then we lost our way.

The sense of urgency in respect for ball retention diminished.  Then an astonishing mix up due to no one calling for the ball from a Newport kick saw out players collide, gifting the opposition with a converted try.  Comedy capers!

Just as laughable was our attempts to find touch from penalties awarded to us on four occasions. 

The second half saw some improvement and we were able to score two tries but could not convert either of them.  Halfback, Sean Roger, had one of his best games of the season, but alas few of his team mates performed at his level of skill and enthusiasm.

This was one of those games where it was not so much that Newport won, but through our own sub-par performance we lost.

The prettiest thing about the Colts was the Coach, Mal Fraser, and that just about says it all.

Try scorers:  Paul Metusela and Nick Roach one each

Best and Fairest:   3  Sean Roger;  2  Jon Ah Lam;  1  Latu Havea