07/08/2010 Hunters vs Oatley

A Tale of Two Half's for Hillies 1st Grade

Hunters Hill continued their fine season with a fine all round club display away against Oatley on Saturday. The club ended the day top of the Club Championship, leap frogging Barker Old Boys, and now sit two games away from being promoted for the 2nd year running.

1st Grade went into their game knowing that a win would confirm a semi-final place, but it took a shakey first half for Hillies to wake up. Conceding two tries and only a penalty in reponse, Hunters went into half time losing 14-3. Although having plenty of possession, the inform 1st Grade seemed to lack the finished touch and could not get a hold of the game. What ever coach Peter Allen said at half-time must have worked as Hillies scored two tries in a matter of minutes through Dan Casa and on his 100th game, Colman Taylor. This lead to a one sided 2nd half as Hillies managed another 5 tries through Casa again, Duncan Taylor, Burzin Mehta, David Weston and No. 10 Bruce Purcell. Special mention to Nick Giacomini, Dan Casa and Tommy Kellaway who all picked up player points. With a semi final place confirmed, the players can now look forward to the last home game of the season next week against Newport and aim for 2nd place in the ladder. The final score, Oatley 14-49 Hunters Hill.

Hillies play their last home game of the season next week against Newport, looking to stay top of the Club Championship. It's going to be an exciting and nerve-wrecking two weeks.

2nd Grade

Hunters Hill 48 v Oatley 5

In Reserve Grade Hunters Hill produced a mixed display in downing Oatley 48-5 at Doc Evatt Oval.

While the Twos showed glimpses of the alchemy that has converted their steel into competition-ladder gold this season, they were often guilty of one pass too many and two clean-outs too few. Sam Henry was lively in attack in helping himself to a 23 point haul in a return to fly-half. Outside backs Bates, Carew and Brady benefitted from extra space and in the pack Dean Thomson sent a clear message to selectors that he is ready to rumble again with an omnipresent performance at 8. Jesse Croucher continued to enjoy his indian summer on the flank (where by summer I mean winter and by indian I mean awesome).

With the Minor premiership race against St. Ives to go down to wire, they will need a return to the solid form that saw them down Newport last week.

Second Grade 48 ( Henry 2, Tuhura 2, Brady, Harvey, Thomson tries, Henry 5 cons and a drop-goal) beat Oatley 5

3rd grade

Hunters Hill 22 v Oatley 22

Following this year’s trend, Third grade had some new combinations in the field. Samuel Henry started as fullback and his experience and guidance during the first half was an important addition for us. Thank you!!

The boys worked very hard and produced some excellent passages of rugby, controlling the ball and kicking when necessary. Overall, our defensive line was outstanding. At times, the pressure on the opposing team was so intense that their only response to our positive attitude was aggression and bad sportsmanship.

In the second half we were defending in our 22 metre line when Robert Grey performed a brilliant interception, running across the field to score a try under the post.  After the conversion Hunters Hill was leading the score.

Unluckily for us, in the last play of the game,  Oakley kicked a penalty and drew the game. Nevertheless it was an excellent result for the Hilly boys!

Next game is against Newport and we can’t wait to play against them. We are all very committed, want to win and want to see Hunters Hill playing First division in 2011. Best and Fairest: Robert Grey: 3; Joel Firth: 2; Laurence Mullan: 1

4th Grade

Hunters Hill 31 v Oatley 0

A really fine bonus point performance from the Hunters 4th XV. Since the Waverley match we have worked hard on improving our shortcomings and it's really gratifying to see this type of form close to the semis. Our mistake rate was negligible, our handling direct and confident and our support play improving all the time. Since Coop's injury we have struggled to fill the void at 12, but debutant Chris was just outstanding among a host of backline performers. While we've been reliant on the excellent cohesion and technical skills of our forwards in recent weeks, we played with plenty of width from the outset and the older Oatley forwards began to struggle in getting to the contest. Our backs were exceptional and took all the points on the day.

Thanks to Colts Kellaway, Woody and Lloydy for their contribution, it was much appreciated

They're all hard contests from now on, starting with the return bout against Newport next week. We're looking forward to playing our part as the Club marches forward to the semis and the Club Championship.

Colts

Hunters Hill 38 v Oatley 0

Well, they say a win is a win...and with a bonus point! Still holding outright second place.

After discipline measures were taken, there was a slow start. Woody, Lloydy & Kells had a challenge reading the chronometer, as a consequence played fourth grade to the delight of Richard Colley & Steve Turner.

Our revamped line out operated well, with Jumping Jackson Rae. Jarrod Thatcher debuted for the Colts, took out man of the match with torrid running and solid defence as IC. Tala “Tula” improving well due to better attitude and fitness. Paul Ah Lam was skillful at fly half, but still needs to get his kicking game in order. Our front row was dominating against the Oatley rep forwards.

Players points went to Jarrod, Cosmo and Whits
 
The 3 D’s need to be mentioned
Discipline...D-fence...Dackle
The-fence is not for sitting on

General News
Colts management expects a $20 minimum donation from all “Colts” players:-to the return of Dave Nutty our mercurial Irish winger.

Paul Ah Lam - is looking for an apprenticeship
Jon Ah Lam - is looking for a labouring position