Hillies Seniors call for community help to rebuild club base
An Executive Board consisting of ex -Presidents and Life Members was also put in place to support the new committee providing guidance, support, resources & strategic direction.
Phil Shorten stood down as President after 3 years and the search is on for a replacement. If you're interested in supporting the new committee please contact Andy Ball or Allan Southcombe.
Hunters Hill Rugby Club is calling for across the board community help to rebuild its player and management bases following last Saturdays losses to Liverpool in all grades and relegation to 3rd Division suburban Rugby.
The club is mounting a newspaper advertising and letterbox campaign to attract players, coaches and people with management skills.
Club chairman, Alan Southcombe, said the campaign aimed to attract players and coaches in all grades, including Colts.
'Equally importantly, we need people with the ability to help put the club back on a sound financial and structural footing', he said.
'The Hillies, Australia's second oldest Rugby club, are embarking on a massive rebuilding program details of which will be made available soon and is asking our community for support to help rebuild', he said.
We have helped sport in Northern Suburbs communities for more than 100 years'.
We now need help from the community to keep us operating.
Our player base has been severely depleted through injury and our management and sponsorship bases have shrunk during the year.
We need to attract quality players, coaches and people who can help us get sponsorship and steer the club on and off the paddock.
The newspaper and letterbox campaign, which start from next week, will call for expressions of interests from potential players and coaches and people able to build the clubís financial, sponsorship and supporter bases.
Mr Southcombe said people interested in helping rebuild the Hillies should send expression of interest to Jason Gaff, Secretary, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, P.O. Box 78, Hunters Hill 2110, or call Jason on 0418616398 or email or Alan Southcombe on 0419 290 615 or via email.
Hillies must win against Liverpool to stay in division
Hunters Hill must win next Saturdays first and reserve grade matches against Liverpool at Liverpool to avoid relegation.
Last Saturdays narrow defeats against Chatswood in valiantly fought matches in the top two grades means the outcomes against Liverpool are crucial to staying in the division.
Hillies 4th grade (12 - 5) and 3rd grade (19 - 5) won convincingly against Chatswood at Boronia. Second grade went down 15 - 10 in a narrow defeat after dominating for most of the game, when an unlucky ball bounce put Chatswood over the line against run of play.
Hillies 1st grade quickly answered Chatswoodís opening try to equal the score with a push-over from successful rolling mauls and dominated in the first half, forcing play mainly within the Chatswood 22.
Superb ball handling by five-eight Inosi Cooper and fancy footwork put centre Dave Woods over the line for a try converted by half back Andrew Bevan to put Hillies in the lead 12 ñ 5.
The Hillies stepped up ruck and maul pressure but missed a crucial penalty goal attempt. Chatswood retaliated with a converted try against run of play to even the half time score 12 ñ 12.
Chatswood dominated the injury-ridden Hillies in the second half, for a full time score of 27 ñ 19.
Hunters Hill Rugby Club, in a special ceremony, on Saturday honoured veteran stalwart Phil Shaw who, with Dave Polly, has played 500 games for the club.
A players' honour guard saluted Shaw as he ran on individually for his 500th game, against Beecroft at Headon Oval.
Dave Polly was honoured by the club the previous week in a home-ground ceremony as part of its Back to Boronia celebrations.
Both players will be feted by the club in coming end of season functions for their extraordinary achievements and commitment to club Rugby since their first matches with the Hillies in 1975. Both have honour caps and life membership.
Dave Polly, 49, was the first Suburban Rugby Player of the Year and played in the representative team for at least five years. A hard running outside centre, he began his football career at Hunters Hill High and played in the winning and undefeated 1977 Kentwell Cup side. He has been in at least five premiership sides and has also provided mainstay support in club management and coaching. He retired through injury earlier in the season and his son, Alex, now plays for Hillies juniors.
Phil Shaw, also 49, is one of suburban Rugby's best-known prop/hookers, renowned for his rucking and mauling as a tight-five fulcrum, and has been in at least six premiership sides. He also was a member of the Hillies' Golden Oldies side that played tournaments in England. In addition to his on-paddock commitment, he managed the Hillies 1st grade side for more than a decade and provided invaluable support in management.
The injury-ridden Hillies lost to Beecroft in all grades on Saturday, 1st grade going down 36 - 0, 2nd grade 18 - 15 after leading for most of the game, 3rd grade 12 - 8, and 4th grade 67 - 5.
The club is regrouping for must-win matches against Chatswood at Boronia next Saturday to maintain divisional status.
Round 15 v Lindfield
- Fathers & Sons
Last Saturday (Aug 2nd) was back to Boronia day. It was a great afternoon with fine weather, drinks and food, people turned up that we have not seen for some time and even a game or two of football.
The highlight of the afternoon was 4th grade where they had a good win. During this game a memorable thing happened. Five fathers played a game of football with their sons.
Russell Kershler's son, scored a try that bought the crowd to its feet.Reminded everybody of Russell in his prime as Ryan did an in and away as he ran around the Lindfield winger at the end of a back line passing rush. It did the memory of the original sons of running rugby proud.
Andy Mostyn's son shed blood for the cause.Gary Lane's son did not sledge the referee or opposition at any time, he left that all to his father.
Lonnie let his son play in the front row while he moved to the half back position. The opposition half back nearly dropped dead when Lonnie lined up next to him for a scum.
Chris O'Toole gave his son a tacking lesson of how it was done it the good old days. Toolie took down his opposition centre, 10 seconds before the guy even looked like catching the ball, with a good old fashioned cumberland throw. I thought it was made illegal years ago,
Fourth grade Hunters Hill rugby dads were Andrew Mostyn, Gary Lane, Loni Kotoa, Russell Kershler, & Chris O'Toole with sons Cameron Mostyn, Matthew Lane, Jackson Kotoa, Ryan Kershler and Ryan O'Toole.
All in all a memorable day.
Hillies must win remaining season games to stay in division
Injury-ridden Hunters Hill must win all remaining matches in the season to maintain their divisional status following Saturdays 27-20 loss to Linfield at Boronia after leading for the first half.
Lindfield started strongly in the opening minutes with pressure resulting in a penalty goal.
But the Hillies countered with sustained, phased attacks to put number eight Iona Iona over the line to take the score to 5 - 3.
The Hillies defence proved too strong when Lindfield counter attacked and the Hillies pack turned play around for a spectacular try by hooker Dave Ninnes to lead 10 - 3.
Lindfield hit back quickly withÝa try to lift the score to 10-8.
The Hillies then regrouped and then drove downfield with powerful rolling mauls and won a tight head scrum to put Iona Iona over for his second try and a half time lead of 15 - 8.
Lindfield equaled the score with a converted try under the posts early in the second half and broke through the Hillies defence for a further try to lead 20 - 15.
Sustained pressure from the Hillies pack and backs then equaled the score 20 - 20 with a blinder try by winger Sugar Atkins in the corner.
Lindfield hit back with another converted try and then held the Hillies at bay to lead 27 - 20 at full time.
In other matches, Hillies 2nd grade won 19 - 10, 3rd grade lost to Lindfield 15 - 22 and 4ths won 12 - 0.
Round 13: Hillies face relegation,
rally supporters after Newport losses 12/07/03
Hunters Hill is calling on supporters to rally behind the club in next Saturday's crucial matches against Petersham at Boronia as they again face possible relegation to a lower division. The injury-depleted Hillies need wins on Saturday and in coming matches to avoid their second downgrading in as many years after their losses in all grades to competition leaders Newport at Newport last Saturday.
The Hillies' injury toll, now in double figures, has put critical pressure on their ability to perform in coming matches and finish the season. Injuries to 11 Hillies 1st graders - a number of them serious - have placed a heavy burden on substitutes, some of them doubling up after games in lower grades.
In last Saturday's 1st grade match, the Hillies went down to Newport 50 - 13 after valiantly holding the bigger, fitter side to 7 - 6 at half time through sterling, coordinated efforts by second rower Wayne Africa, break-away David Ninnes, five-eight Mark French (carrying a thigh injury), centre Tim Latalevu and consistent work by the tight five.
But Newport's superiority and fitness showed in the second half as they dominated in the rucks and mauls for a series of breakaway tries which sealed the Hillies' fate. Hillies 2nd grade lost to Newport 26 - 8, 3rd grade 28 - 0 and 4th grade 24 - 0.
Round 12: Hillies go down to
Blacktown amid further injuries and foul play 5/07/03
Hunters Hill's injury toll is now in double figures after four more 1st graders were wounded on the paddock in the game they lost 24 - 19 to Blacktown at Boronia on Saturday. The toll has put critical pressure on the Hillies' ability to perform in coming matches and finish the season.
Seven Hillies 1st graders suffered injuries on the paddock in the previous Saturday's game with Campbelltown, two of them serious. Last Saturday's injuries included team captain Andrew Beaven (knee after 10 minutes), break-away Liam Cooper (ankle injury after a neck injury in the Campbelltown game) and half-back Richard Colley (broken collar bone, the third injury requiring hospital treatment in as many weeks).
The Hillies 4th grade triumph was the only win of the day. The Colts game was called off after 17 minutes through foul play by Campbelltown, for which one player was sin binned and another is expected to face the judiciary on a charge of head stomping.
The Hillies opened the 1st grade match with a converted try under the posts in the first few seconds by Hillies man of the match, 2nd rower Wayne Africa. Repeated disciplined attacks in clean, phased play by the Hillies failed to translate to points on the board, despite them keeping Blacktown pinned against their line for most of the first half. Two Blacktown breakaway attempts to put the ball over the line were foiled in pincer movements by Africa, winger Dave Bennett and outside centre Tim Latalevu.
The third Blacktown sortie was successful with a converted corner try to even the score. A further Blacktown try, against the run of play, took the score to 12 - 7 on the referee's half time whistle. The 2nd half remained scoreless for the first 17 minutes through continued strong performance by hooker Dave Ninnes and winger Chris Collins in his debut 1st grade match until Blacktown broke through Hillies depleted defences for a pushover to lead 17 - 7. The Hillies answered with a corner try to put them back in the game 17 - 12.
Blacktown retaliated with aggressive play and, after a number of penalties awarded against them, including 10 metres for arguing with the referee, scored to lead 24 - 12. Substitute break-away Loni Katoa answered for the Hillies in a spectacular push-over try from a rolling maul to take the final score to 24 - 19.
For further information, please contact Michael Mills on 0404 818 282 or Warwick Cooper, 9858 2269
Campbelltown trounced Hunters Hill in all grades at Campbelltown Showground on Saturday and left the Hillies with a massive injury toll, especially among 1st grade players.
The injury toll will test the Hillies depth in coming matches as a result of the club's depleted player base.
Seven 1st Hillies graders suffered injuries on the paddock. They included breakaway Liam Cooper (neck injury), breakaway Alex Light (dislocated elbow), half-back Richard Colley (facial injury), full back Mark French (injured thigh) replacement half-back David Peacock (ankle injury) and inside centre Billy Rainima (facial injury). Light, who was taken in an ambulance, and Colley required hospital treatment.
The 1st grade match was marked by broken play from rolling mauls and rucks in hard, clean football in a solid kicking game.
The Hillies applied pressure at the outset, pushing play to within metres of the Campbelltown line. A misplaced pass during one of the repeated phased attacks gave Campbelltown a length of paddock run, with the try foiled at the last moment by a tackle from Hillies winger Tim Latalevu.
The teams then attacked and counter attacked until Campbelltown capitalised on an intercepted Hilliesí pass to put the ball over the line and take the score to 5 - 0.
The Hillies again countered with sustained pressure which pushed play into Campbelltownís territory for most of the 1st half. The Hilliesí phased play finally paid off with a 7 - 5 lead from a converted try by outside centre Dave Manuata, who put the ball down under the posts. The Hillies then held Campbelltown in their own territory for the remainder of the half.
At the start of second half, the Hillies again pushed Campbelltown back through strong work at the break down by second rower Loni Katoa and a fine display of tactical kicking by five-eight Andrew Beaven. Their work positioned the side for a spectacular try by inside centre Billy Rainima, who used his magic to weave through Campbelltown defenders from 50 metres out for a converted try to take the score to 12 ñ 5.
Campbelltown responded with a converted try under the posts to even the score.
By then the Hillies injury toll was having an effect on the paddock as Campbelltown dominated the depleted side and ended the half with a run-away win of 38 -17.
In other matches, Hillies 2nd grade lost 24-9, 3rd lost 34-12 and 4th lost 29 - 0.
For further information, please contact Michael Mills on 0404 818 282 or Warwick Cooper, 9858 2269
Representative game: NSW Rep 41
beat QLD Rep 21
The NSW Suburban Representative squad travelled to the hallowed grounds of Ballymore on Sunday, looking to extend the successful run of 10 victories in a row against Qld. After a highly rated program, where the only defeat was against a professional team, IBM Japan, through an intercept try, and including the major scalp of the NSW Country Cockatoos in a history making victory, the scene was set for a classic scenario.
Could big Eddie Harris, skipper of the Reds, lead his formidable team to victory? And after a mistake ridden, fumbling, first 10 minutes, the Blues had a clearing kick charged down, for the Reds to lead 7-0. This stung Jake Havebond (Waverly) into action, launching attacking raids utilising the silken running skills of Billy Ranima (Hunters Hill) and the brute force of #8 Nathan Willard (Campbelltown) deep into Reds territory. With good phase ball, only dogged defence from the Reds stopped the Blues scoring.
However, after half time, with soothing words spoken by frustrated coaches Walsh and Kershaw, a mistake by the Blues allowed the Reds to score against the run of play to blow the lead out to 14-5 with 38 minutes to play. Digging deeply, the outstanding Brad Martin (Dundas Valley) coolly slotted a penalty in the 47th minute, before 5 minutes later, as only he can do, Jake 'the Freak' returned from the blood bin, and motored over beside the posts to give the Blues the lead for the first time 14-15. Billy Ranima then scored again, and with the two Liverpool stars, Sam Aukoso and Jack Burgess running amok, it was only time before the Reds capitulated.
With the 'Pocket Rocket' Moape Ravuvu (Newport) switching on the afterburners on his sideline dashes, he provided the pass for Jack to score wide out and take the score to 29-14. The forwards got cranky, and good pressure with exciting rolling mauls saw the everywhere Nathan Wills create a try with Brad Martin providing the pass for Billy to slide under the posts. Slick running in midfield by Jack Burgess let the Pocket Rocket loose, who danced down the sideline to score a sensational individual try. Not to be outdone, the forwards again took control, before workaholic, dynamic flanker, David Jepsen (Colleagues) scored at the end of a great drive. Final score 41-21. An outstanding achievement.
Skipper Stuart Brown was inspirational in willing his team to be the best. Excellent speeches set the tone for the rest of the night, and a good time was had by all. Seasons effort, above expectation, purely due to the quality of the players. Pass mark, around A, but by beating the Cockatoos, probably A+.
Courtesy of Suburban Rugby
Hillies back in winners' circle
HUNTERS Hill first grade rugby team ended the drought last Saturday with a convincing 27-13 win over Hornsby in the Suburban Rugby competition at Waitara Oval.
Match highlight was a spectacular last-minute try by star Hillies centre Billy Rainima after he snaffled a high floating ball from a kick 50 metres out and weaved unscathed through the defence to score.
The try, his second for the match, was a possible swansong for Rainima who is in negotiations with two grade clubs following his outstanding performance for NSW Suburban rep side that trounced Queensland Country 41-21. Rookie Colts five eighth Jack Benson also shone in his top grade debut.
TALENTED Hunters Hill rugby back Billy Ranima and forward Iona Iona have earned selection in the Suburban representative squad to play IBM Japan on Wednesday night at Wills Ground Earlwood at 7pm.
Both played starring roles as Hunters Hill remained unbeaten after a nail-biting 13 - 11 win over Blacktown last Saturday at Kareela West.
Blacktown could have snatched a last gasp victory but muffed two late penalty goal attempts.
Hillies Reserves also continued their winning streak with a 27 - 8 triumph and tries by Lachlan Gelling, Daniel Moore, Daniel Orman and back rower Wayne Africa.
Main game was a hard-fought affair and the final score reflected clean, phased play between two well-matched sides.
Hillies winger Chris Brunsden nabbed the opening try before Blacktown answered with a penalty goal. Sustained pressure and phased attacks off set play resulted in a try to centre Dave Manuata and a half time lead of 10 - 3. Blacktown nudged ahead 11-10 before the Hillies responded in the dying minutes with a penalty goal.
Round 2: v Campbelltown
Hillies down Campbelltown in match marred by punch-ups
12/04/03
Hunters Hill notched up its second match win for the season at Boronia on Saturday, downing Campbelltown 34 - 19 in a grueling match marred by on-paddock punch-ups and a yellow and red card for a Campbelltown player.
Hillies Reserve grade also won 8-5 against Campbelltown in a hard-fought match that showed the depth of player talent as the revamped club drives for season premiership and a return to 1st division under new head coach Michael Mills.
Campbelltown opened the match of the day with surging intensity and put the Hillies on the back foot with a converted push-over try in the first five minutes.
The Hillies retaliated with sustained pressure and coordinated, phased attacks to push play into the Campbelltown half for most of the game and force Campbelltown to defend their try line.
Coach Mills' strategy to starve Campbelltown of possession through sustained pressure paid off with the first of two tries by Canterbury Crusaders import number 8 Iona Iona from broken play off a free kick.
Spirited playing by Iona, 5/8 Andrew Bevan, centre Billy Rainima, half back David Peacock and wingers Richard Colley and Tim Latilevu resulted in a spectacular try by Richard Colley as the club piled on the points in the second half.
Campbelltown's discipline then broke down as scuffles and punch-ups erupted across the paddock, resulting in a Campbelltown player being yellow-carded by the referee.
Shortly after the player returned from the sin bin, further fights erupted following incidents during play and the match was halted for five minutes while the referee and touch judges conferred.
The player was then red-carded.
A passionate Hillies then held a dispirited Campbelltown at bay for a 34 - 19 victory at the referee's final whistle.
Hillies trounce Hornsby 55 - 5 in hard, running Rugby
A revamped Hunters Hill started the season and its fight for this year's premiership and a return to 1st division by trouncing Hornsby 55-5 through hard, running Rugby at Boronia on Saturday.
And their Reserve grade 34 - 10 drubbing of Hornsby shows the Hillies have a depth of players and skills that will make them hard to stop.
In the 1st grade match the Hillies poured onto the paddock in a display of fast, co-ordinated, phased play orchestrated by new head coach Michael Mills that resulted in a converted try by break-away Alex Light in the first five minutes.
From then for Hornsby it was all downhill as the Hillies rampaged on the paddock with stylish displays of teamwork by Crusaders import number 8 Iona Iona, half back Richard Colley and Fijian centre Billy Rainima resulting in a spate of tries.
The game was played mainly on Hornsby's half of the paddock and often in Hornsby's 25 as the Hillies repeatedly surged in sustained attacks to put points on the board.
A disallowed first half try by Richard Colley led to a concerted thrust which had the Hillies over the line for another try in less than two minutes to take the half time score to 19 - 0.
The Hillies again dominated and rampaged in a second half marked by further hard, running Rugby and a further spate of tries, one after impressive running, weaving and dodging by Fijian import winger Tim Latuva.
Hornsby had no answers until a length of the paddock run for a corner try in the dying minutes put them on the board for five points.
The Hillies' next matches are at Boronia next Saturday against competition newcomers Campbelltown.
TWT 5/04/03