News Archive: March 2009

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 16/03/2009
Hillcrest High setting sights on rugby profile

WITH a new, high-profile coach, a newly launched club complete with its own website and a summer training schedule Hillcrest High School is planning to raise its status in rugby circles next year.

The school club has signed Taranaki Centurian and former Te Awamutu Sport and Waikato under-23 coach Kerry Eynon for 2009.
Already plans are in hand to host a South African secondary school team for a match-up in 2009 and a rugby trip to Australia for senior players.

Coaches have been appointed for four rugby teams - a first XV, plus under-14, under-15 and under-16.
Organisers are seeking players and supporters for the 2009 season.

They expect ambitious players will be more likely to get game time playing with an emerging side than in some of the more recognised rugby schools.

Senior coach Kerry Eynon comes off a successful 2008 season with Te Awamutu Sports and the Waikato under-23 side.
Eynon was one of the stalwarts of Taranaki provincial rugby with a record fo 103 games as an inside back. He joins the likes of Gordon Slater who racked up 176 games for Taranaki, Kieran Crowley (200), Graham Mourie (104), Dave Loveridge (135) and Paul Tito (100).

Hillcrest High already has high academic profile and is respected for the work of students in the arts and drama. Most sports are also catered for at the school.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 16/03/2009
October Update

The rugby season finished in late August with mixed results from our four teams. Our 1st XV finished a respectable 3rd in the Second Div, having dominated all opponents in the forwards and tested the winners, St Paul´s 2nds, on both occasions they met.
The U16s fought bravely with a serious lack of numbers, but it is pleasing to see strong numbers coming through at both U15 & U14 level where our teams, although light on experience and size, competed valiantly - the U14´s most unlucky not to be contesting their division final.

Annual Prize Giving:
The annual prize giving for the club was held on Sept 11th. With the help of sponsorship from Vision Upholstery trophies (and replicas) were once again handed out for all teams, along with the presentation of medals and school ties for year 13 leavers.
While there were many close calls in selection we would like to congratulate the prizewinners as listed below:
HHRC 2008 Awards

U14 Best Back Sonny Rau U14 Best Forward Carl Taylor
U14 Team Player Kyle Fell U 14 Player of the Year Atutahi Takiari

U15 Best Back Dylan Griffin
U 15 Best Forward Jake Henderson/Tom Williams
U15 Team Player Chris Johnston U 15 Player of the Year Chris Johnston

2nd XV Best Back Hamish Roake 2nd XV Best Forward Taylor Brodie
2nd XV Team Player Josh Stirling 2nd XV Player of the Year Josh Stirling

1st XV Best Back Michael Jarvis 1st XV Best Forward Ryan Fleetwood
1st XV Most Promising Player Nick Brodribb
1st XV Team Player Arno Bekker
1st XV Player of the Year Ryan Leach.

One of the highlights of the night were the very amusing and inspiring presentations from our two guest speakers - Pat Meslop, Marketing Mgr for the Chiefs & WRU and Scott Couch ex Waikato & Chiefs loose forward.

Sincere thanks to the sponsors and in particular the hard working committee for pulling this event together which proved again to be a very successful night.

Thanks also of course to all coaches, team managers and the many supporters whom dedicated their valuable time, patience and skills in making rugby happen again this year.

We would like to also take this opportunity to congratulate Craig Taylor, Teacher In Charge of Rugby, on winning the 2008 Administrator/manager of the year at the recent HHS Sports awards. This is true recognition of Craig´s dedication and enthusiasm in a most challenging first year in this role. Without any School representation in team coaching roles Craig took the full brunt of liaison between Club, team mgmt and players - well done and many thanks.

Focus on 2009
Focus now moves to the New Year and further improvements to our preparation, support and resources for rugby. Some of the key initiatives in conjunction with HHS include:

* Team Coaching and Mgmt - After the challenges in 2008 of having no coaches from the School ranks we are extremely excited to have Mr Edgar Johl, DP and long time rugby coach, indicate his willingness to take a team and know doubt help Mr Taylor when and where it is needed. Secondly Mr Whiting has recently announced the appointment of Mr Kerry Eynon, ex Taranaki Rep, Te Awamutu Seniors and Waikato U23 Coach, to the PE teaching ranks for 2009. In taking this role Kerry has signalled his interest in coaching the 1st XV, which is a terrific position for us to be in.
* Team Planning - In order to be advanced in our team management and preseason preparation we are already asking for player indications for 2009.
* Potential Team Trip - We have again put forward the opportunity to take a senior squad on a team trip to Australia in 2008. The committee has identified the scope and costs of this proposal to interested senior players and their caregivers with solid support indicated. Financial commitment and planning is now underway.

Any contacts or ideas for both sponsorship and trip fund raising would be much appreciated.

For further information, meeting schedules, as well as ideas and feedback please contact any of the following club officials:

Chairperson: Danny Farr 027 4944559
Secretary: Diane Van Den Berg 027 7248815
Treasurer: Phil Morris 027 4719525
Or via HHS to Craig Taylor - Teacher In charge.