News Archive: August 2008

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 30/08/2008
Prize Giving 2008

There is no doubt that the 2008 season was a challenging but exciting experience for all involved in Hillcrest High rugby. Throughout the year the players put in a stirling effort and their achievements were celebrated at the annual prize giving which was held on the 11th of September.
The prize giving was a great success and those who attended were honoured by the presence of two excellent guest speakers, namely Pat Mellsop (Waikato Rugby) and Scott Couch (ex-Waikato and Chiefs loose forward).
On the night the Club Chairperson, Danny Farr, gave special thanks to each individual – players as well as supporters – who contributed to the success of the season.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 24/08/2008
Play-off vs Putaruru Rugby Match – 23/08/08

This play-off match to determine 3rd and 4th placing in the 2nd division, was played against Putaruru in Putaruru.

Both teams had beaten each other during the preliminary season, but Hillcrest this time was far superior and won the match 25 – 5.

Most of the match was played in heavy rain on a muddy pitch, but Hillcrest showed their all round strengths in most facets throughout the match.

Hillcrest led 22 – 0 at ½ time after Sunny Gage-Fatupaito scored a try and Liam Eldridge scored a conversion plus was successful with 5 penalty kicks.

The final score was 25 – 5 after Putaruru scored an unconverted try and Liam kicked another penalty goal to end the match with 20 points and a 100% successful kicking rate.

That was the final match for Hillcrest who finished in 3rd place in the 2nd division. The team was never beaten by big margins, with only inconsistency letting them down.

Many of the players improved throughout the season and I’m sure if they’d had another season together, they would finish in a better position. Unfortunately a lot of the players leave school this year, but this leaves openings for future players.

Mark Eldridge

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 18/08/2008
St Pauls Rugby Match - 16/08/08

This blustery game was played on a predominately sunny day in Hillcrest, on a muddy pitch.

St Pauls, who end the preliminary round of the season undefeated, had a really ‘tough’ match and 2 of their 3 tries were against the run of play.

During the first half, Hillcrest didn’t make full use of the strong wind at their backs and only scored a penalty, kicked by Liam Eldridge, to be down 3 – 14 at the break.

During the second half and although St Pauls made better use of the strong wind at their backs, they only scored an unconverted try

The final score was 19 – 3 to St Pauls.

Hillcrest finish the preliminary round in 4th place and now travel to play Putaruru, who they have a “1 win 1 loss” to this season, to decide the final 3rd & 4th placings.

Mark Eldridge

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/08/2008
Otorohanga Rugby Match – 02/08/08

This lack luster game was a disappointment after the 1st 15 had played a very good game against Howick mid-week.

Otorohanga, who are currently coming second in the competition, appeared to be dominated by Hillcrest during most of the first half were lucky to lead by 10 – 3 at the ½ time whistle.

During the second half, Otorohanga scored a converted try after a charge down and Hillcrest’s Tonie Redlinghuys scored an un-converted try in the corner.

The final score was 17 – 8 to Otorohanga, which was a slight improvement by Hillcrest who lost 9 – 21 in the first round.

Overall, a disappointing match, especially after such a strong midweek game. The team has 2 further matches before the final play-off match – firstly against the bottom team, then the final match against the top team.

Mark Eldridge