Well what a good start to the season – always nice to begin with a win.

Match Summary

The St Ives team were rather inexperienced and as such we agreed before the match to have uncontested scrums.

And so it began – we were on the attack from the outset and looked like we would cross a number of times for our initial try. But to the credit of the defence, they kept tackling and tackling rather well to keep us out. I think we bombed a few opportunities by cutting back into the centre when maybe we should have gone wide (a bit of white line fever) but eventually Eddie Gregory went over near the posts. The kick was successful and we lead 7-0.

Some more attacking pressure lead to our next try which was a good run out wide from Andrew Camilleri, whom beat a few would be tacklers and scored a good wingers try in the corner. Amazing what we can do with some width. Score now 12-0 with the kick from out wide just missing.

But St Ives hit back soon after following a fumble from us and soon after their inside centre ran through some flimsy hunters Hill defence to score for the visitors. Harry Kemp then exploded soon after with a huge run from our 22 to score under the posts, finishing off a good backline move. Kick was successful and we went into half time 19-5 leaders.

The second half was an improved effort as I thought our defence picked up and our cleanout became more efficient. We pressured them for almost the entire half with tries coming to Tom Conaghan and Harry Kemp. We made some good busts and could have probably crossed for a few more with some passing to unmarked support player– but that will come

All in all a good start and something to build upon – Our forwards were great and I’m particularly happy that 3 of our 5 tries came from the wingers - but I suspect St Ives will also take a lot from the game and will be a greater challenge at our next meeting.

Final Score – Hunters Hill 31 (Tries - H. Kemp 2, E. Gregory 1, A. Camilleri 1, T. Conaghan 1. Conversions - E. Gregory 3/4, M.McKay 0/1) bt St Ives 5 (Tries – Inside Centre 1)

Coach Ben