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