Vale James McNamara

April 20, 2022Seagull

It’s with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of James McNamara.

Many of you would know that James had been very unwell for many years, but made the effort to get up to Boronia to support the Hillies whenever he could. A fixture on the sideline who was always positive in his personal feedback to players, James was greatly respected both for his level of dedication to the club, and for who he was as a person.

An enthusiastic follower of the club, James was twice named Supporter of the Year in 2003 and 2004. James also managed first, second and third grade sides over a lot of years.

The sideline at home games will never look quite the same without him.

Here’s a message from Michael:

Confirmation of arrangements for James Funeral:
Time: 11:00am
Date: Friday 29/04/2022
Location: Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens - South Chapel - 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Mannings are the funeral directors. On the way from Rozelle to North Ryde the hearse will be pausing for a few minutes at Boronia Park. The timing of arrival cannot be accurately scheduled. Mannings reckon that they will be going past Boronia Park between 10:15am and 10:30am. I plan to be at Boronia Park at 10:15 to be part of this moment of reflection. Anybody else who want to come along is most welcome to attend (be there by 10:15am).

After the service we will be adjourning to Gladesville Sporties. Space in undercover patio area at the front of the building has been reserved from 12:30pm. There will be a limited amount of finger food and drinks to consume while we reminisce about James. Would be good if as many people as possible could attend Sporties dressed in Hunters Hill Rugby attire. I’ll be changing from funeral attire into my Life Member 125 Year Polo Shirt.

We are not looking for flowers to be sent to the service. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that a donation is made to Parkinson’s research. Facilities to enable this will be setup at Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.

There will be a limited number of booklets available to be handed out at the service. Please only take what you need.

Vale Morrie Willcoxson

July 10, 2021Seagull

It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of Morrie Willcoxson, one of the stalwarts and great administrators of our Club. He was 96.

Morrie Willcoxson had a long association with rugby through Eastwood juniors and joined our Club at a pivotal time in the early 70’s.

Our senior teams had grown and enjoyed considerable success on the field in the few years before, but we needed improved direction and structure in the Club’s administration.

Morrie was introduced to our club through Michael Moss (Life Member) and was appointed as President in 1972. He continued in that role until 1980.

He was a person of immense integrity and his strongly held view was that to be a successful Club on the field you needed a sound administration. He was instrumental in establishing clear guidelines for the management committee and stressed the need for codes of behaviour.

He was a font of knowledge to many of the younger players in the Club whom he encouraged to engage in the various administrative roles and empowered to step up.

He knew his limitation with regards the technical side of coaching and did not try to step into the coaching arena and he gave strong support to John Francis who was seniors coach at the same time.

Morrie very much enjoyed the social side of rugby and he would be there at each game, often accompanied by his wonderful wife Gwynne (who predeceased him) and his family.

He was a regular at training sessions and was known to be one of the last to leave “Bert’s Cellars” late on a Thursday night/Friday morning.

Morrie was awarded Life Membership in 1981.

Morrie loved his connection with our Club and continued to follow the Club’s fortunes. He would try to get along to various reunions and Back to Boronia Days until his health prevented this.

Morrie was a proud Naval WW2 returned serviceman and was happy to regale us with many a tale of a submariner’s life!

Morrie’s term as President coincided with one of our Club’s most successful periods – on and off the field – and his contribution to that cannot be understated.

He was a true friend and mentor to many in the Club.

Vale Morrie.

Hunters Hill Subbies 7's Cup Champions for 2021

March 06, 2021Seagull

Hunters Hill takes out the Subbies 7’s Cup for the third time in the comp’s six year history.

AGM Honours: Presidents Award, Honour Caps and Life Members

December 18, 2020Seagull

At the 2020 AGM, 6 notable HHRUFC people received recognition for their above and beyond service to Hunters Hill Rugby. On hand was Club Patron Gordon Bray to present the awards.

Greg Wyatt-Spratt and Bonnie Gregory were nominated, elected and welcomed as Life Members.
View their bio’s on our Life Members Page

Chris ‘Axe’ Atkins and Steve Morton were awarded Honour Caps in recognition of their sterling on-field efforts for the Club. View their bio’s on our Honour Caps Page

Adam and Hayley Latham received the Presidents Award for their service to the club over many seasons, over numerous roles, in particular their devotion to the Juniors. View more on the Presidents Award Page

President's Award: Hayley and Adam Latham

2020 Honours List

November 18, 2020Seagull

Supporter of the Year

Peter Kenny

Clubman of the Year

Brendan Black

Clubwoman of the Year

Bella Hogan

Club Top Try Scorer

Andrew Camilleri

Club Top Point Scorer

Andrew Newson

Most Improved Forward

Luke Gibbs

Most Improved Back

Andrew Cam

Women’s Most Improved

Nicole Safi

All Grades Best Player

Cain Nelson

1st Grade Best & Fairest

Steven Morton & Joshua Camroux

Women’s 1st Grade Best & Fairest

Nikki Drinkwater

Women’s 1st Grade Players Player

Courtney Frankl

2nd Grade Best & Fairest

Cain Nelson

Colts Most Improved Player

Max Voulgaris

Colts Best & Fairest

Dan Jessup

3rd Grade Best & Fairest

Oliver Young

4th Grade Best & Fairest

Lachie Shaw

Kick of the Year

Sam White

7’s Player of the Season

Joshua Costigan

Andrew Mostyn Shield

2nd Grade

Congratulations to all of the award winners in 2020!

Unprecedented! Barraclough and Stockdale Double!

September 21, 2020Seagull

For the first time, Hunters Hill has taken home both the Barraclough and Stockdale Cups, and not just doing this, but both going undefeated!

In a rematch of last years GF, 2nd Grade again outplayed UNSW to claim the Stockdale Cup.
After being down 3-0, Hunters comprehensively won with a Final Score of 43-3 (Tries: Andrew Camilleri 2, Tim Forsyth, Joseph Callaughan, Andrew Bligh, Cain Nelson. Conversions: Andrew Newson 5. Penalties: Andrew Newson.)

After being so close last year, in First Grade, with two penalty goals apiece heading into the last play, Jake Henwood stepped up and delivered Hunters Hill their 4th ever Barraclough Cup. Final score 13-6 (Try: Jake Henwood. Conversion: Lachlan Camroux. Penalties: Sam White 2)

Sam Hackett wins Subbies Colts Medal

September 21, 2020Seagull

Draw for Rd 1 SWRU 7's @ Boronia Park

July 30, 2020Seagull

Life Members Day and Ladies Day Events cancelled

July 21, 2020Seagull

Games Still On!

Due to the recent changes to the COVID-19 Safety Plans, Hunters Hill Rugby has cancelled both the 2020 Life Members Day Event on July 25 and also the 2020 Ladies Day Event on August 1. We’d like to apologise to anyone who had made plans for these weekends.

Games will still be played however we encourage everyone to act in a responsible and safe manner during this time.

Back to Boronia Day on August 29 is currently still planned to occur, however we will make a final decision closer to the date.

Club Captain Election Results

July 08, 2020Seagull

Congratulations go to John Korff and Bella Hogan on being elected Club Captains for the 2020 Season.

This will be John’s first season as Men’s Club Captain, after he joined Hunters Hill Rugby in 2017 from the Dubbo Roos.

Bella continues on for a second year in her role as our innaugural Women’s Club Captain, after being a foundation member of HHWRUFC.

We would like to thank our outgoing Men’s Club Captain Ben Chaplin, for a very solid 2 years off effort and work, and look forward to him continuing on at the club in various other roles.

Vale Glendon ‘Clem’ Burgess

June 24, 2020Seagull

It is with great sadness that Hunters Hill Rugby advises of the passing of Glendon 'Clem' Burgess.

Clem was a clubman through and through. An Honour Cap, he played more than 300 games with the club. But that wasn't what we will most remember of Clem. His contribution to the Reviews of the 80s and 90s was the stuff of legend. If you were there, you wouldn't have forgotten his performance in the Bowlers and Blues Brothers skits along with plenty of others. Great times.

And then, for those of us that were fortunate enough to see Clem in full flight, responding to the C Hop salute, giving his best interpretation of a vociferous Gestapo officer with full audience participation, was a sight to behold and brought the house down everywhere it was rolled out including a mighty effort in Queenstown NZ, a couple of hours after we had been absolutely flogged on the field. Clem's effort that night lifted all the tourists- final score 1 all.

Clem’s Honour Cap resume reads like this :

Premierships: Burke Cup 1977, Kentwell Cup 1987. Registrar 1983. 300 games. 300+ points. Legendary on the social side for his comic review sketches and impromptu performances. An extremely keen club man.

That doesn’t begin to sum up this larger than life character that was C hop. He will be deeply missed.

Not one for churches and chapels, it’s been decided to do something that would have brought out that little ‘Clem’ chuckle. So, this Monday we’ll be having a laugh, reliving some of the wonderful memories of the C-Hop and generally celebrating his life, right on the hallowed turf of Boronia Park.

Service begins at 12 noon, to be followed by a few drinks, and no doubt more stories, at the Putney Bowling Club (The Fountain on the Mountain).

Celebration of the Life of Glendon ‘Clem’ Burgess

Boronia Park, 12 noon

Monday 29th June 2020

Followed by drinks at Putney Bowling Club

Although restrictions still apply across NSW, attendance at outdoor services are unlimited as long as the usual distancing measures are in place.

ANNOUNCEMENT: All of Club Briefing

May 14, 2020Seagull

Please join the HHRUFC Seniors Committee for a virtual briefing session to provide an update on some key developments for our club, including a return to training plan.
Details of the call are below and will be emailed to our distribution list:
Meeting ID: 753 9409 7418
Password: Hillies20

tags hhrufc2020, takemehomecountryroads

HHRUFC Merchandise Released!

May 04, 2020Seagull

Check out the latest in Hunters Hill Stash!

Get ahead of the pack and look the goods when the season returns.

Vale Tim Hughes

March 16, 2020Seagull

Joseph Timothy Hughes – Hunters Hill Rugby Union Football Club Life Member #16 –- passed away on the 5th of March 2020, after a battle with cancer and subsequent secondaries.

Tim was born in August 1946 and grew up in Ryde. He was called up for National Service in the late 1960s and spent time in Vietnam.

On his return from Vietnam he made a connection with Hunters Hill Rugby and from the start Tim threw himself into the Club environment both on the field and socially.

Tim’s official roles and achievements include:

Treasurer – 1973-74

Club Captain – 1978

100 games - 1981

Assistant Secretary - 1985-86

Awarded Life Membership – 1989

Tim also provided valuable assistance to the club’s legendary Zambuck and carrier of the magic sponge – Aub Bennett - and continued that role after Aub retired.

Tim was an honest front rower, acknowledged as one who always gave and contributed to the cause.

He had a dry wit and infectious giggle, especially at his own jokes.

He quickly became close friends with many of the players and our partners in the 1970s and that friendship went beyond the field to the strong social activity that was a feature of the Club around that time.

Tim was often found espousing some deep philosophical comments – not often expected from a front rower. A memorable one often expressed - usually at the beginning of a night - was “It is a good man who can have a drink, but it is a better man who knows when he has had enough!” Sadly Tim could never remembered the full quote.

Tim was married to Judy, who he met through “Decca” and Ruth Macrae. They had two boys – Gregory and Steven, and several grandchildren. After finishing football Tim and Judy moved to Clarence Town and more recently Wangi Wangi.

Tim and Judy always tried to get down for Back to Boronia and Life Member Days at Boronia and I know he felt especially proud to have been part of this Club and of what he was able to contribute.

We will deeply miss him.

Vale “Hughesie”

Brian “Darkie” Robertson

2020 Boat Trip!!!

January 30, 2020Seagull

Get your bikinis and budgies ready for the HH Boat Cruise 🛳☀️
We will set sail on the 7th of March at 12pm, so grab your tickets now as capacity will be limited.

Get Your Tickets Here!

Hunters Hill Touch Rd 2

November 20, 2019Seagull

Round 2 of the Touch Comp

With the Hogan sisters catering and a slightly better sky than last week, the night ahead was looking good.

Alas for Double Scrum and Cokes, having attacking weapon Ella F out of action, and Co-Captain Roulston late/injured/something, it quickly became a nightmare. Going down by the biggest margin yet 5-1 to a red-hot No Bibs and Grill. However, despite a contentious call from referee Seagull in their game against the O’Minton’s, they did get a win on the night, with the pace of Brendan Pike again proving crucial. (NB: Late mail from the O’Minton’s and confirmed by the referee indicates that this result was actually a 2-3 loss to the O’Minton’s, making Seagull’s call even more contentious).

The O’Minton’s were unlucky to not win a game, going down narrowly in each, despite Epeli walking it forward every ruck. It appeared as though the other teams learnt from last week and shut down Carter, while Gibbs and McGrath’s absences were duly noted.

No Bibs and Grill got their experienced player along tonight and GWS didn’t disappoint. Their only loss of the night, to Keke & Co, was close and they provided some good attacking footy throughout the night. Zammit pulled off some good defensive hits [it’s touch right? - Ed.] while Orpen proved again how good his cut-outs are.

After doing an hour or four of extra’s before kick-off, Pate again laid a solid platform tor Randy’s B&H’s attacking well from depth. With Co-Captain Bonesy turning up tonight providing pace out wide and allowing the Atkins’ to move into the middle of the field, they were always going to be stronger. Their night of 2 wins, 2 losses was an improvement on last week, although it would be remiss of me not to note that Housego played as well as he chats for once.

Keke & Co put an indifferent first week behind them to win all four games tonight, hitting the top of the table without their international rep players McCormack and Sauce. Although they never really broke the shackles only winning each by 1, due to a lack of pace. Filling the Executive void, Forsyth proved his commitment to the team by both turning up and then by playing sans chaussures. Quinny showed that age doesn’t matter, and Jake and Mitch combined well to run the attack. Morton and Vertoudakis were again unsighted however.

Table after Week 2 (Post Result Challenge)

  
    Team
    W
    B
    D
    +/-
    Total
  

    Keke & Co
    6
    2
    0
    4
    16
  

    No Bibs and Grill
    5
    2
    0
    5
    14
  

    Randy's B&H's
    3
    2
    0
    -2
    10
  

    O'Mintons
    3
    2
    0
    -3
    10
  

    Double Scrum and Cokes
    3
    2
    0
    -4
    10
  

Team	W	B	+/-	Total
Keke & Co	6	2	4	16
No Bibs and Grill	5	2	5	14
Randy's B&H's	3	2	-2	10
O'Mintons	3	2	-3	10
Double Scrum and Cokes	3	2	-4	10

Hunters Hill Touch Comp Kicked Off

November 13, 2019Seagull

The Hunters Hill Touch Comp 2019 commenced last night (Tuesday). With new, old and even older faces turning up, as well as a fair crop of the current players, the surrounding smoke didn’t dampen the action.

Double Scrum & Cokes have gone into the comp with a youth policy, with an average age gap of 5 years below any other team. This appears to have worked for them on the night, as did having the two quickest players in the Club in Josh C and Brendon P, resulting in them finishing top of the table after round one.

Keke & Co was able to hand Double Scrum & Cokes their only loss of the night. Somehow they ended up with 4 Executive Members and another 4 Committee Members in the squad, and were guided well by Chairman Luke until he had to go run the BBQ, resulting in a string of 3-2 losses.

Randy’s B&H’s also had a solid hit out, although adding Pate to their team at late notice raised a few eyebrows. Unfortunately, the lack of co-captain James Bone didn’t help their night and left them on the bottom of the table.

The O’Mintons seemed to lack a few reserves, but they more than made up for this in chat. Robbie Carter stood out and will hopefully be shut down by the other teams defences in the coming weeks.

Apparently there will be investigations into just how many reserves No Bibs & Grill had, while co-captain Chris Orpen has confirmed that the teams reliance on existing combinations has made it an early favourite.

Lukey’s BBQ was well received and over catered, so there’s plenty for any new players that want to join in next week!

2019 Honours List

September 16, 2019Seagull

200 Senior Games

Julian Arndt

Jason Gaff

Brad Chalmers

Jordan Butler

100 Senior Games

Timothy Gatehouse

Sunjay Jain

Jake Henwood

Brian Walker

Chuck Housego

Club Top Try Scorer

Will Maihi

Club Top Point Scorer

Lachlan Day

Best New Forward

Jake Brighton

Best New Back

Talia Tuaau

Most Improved Forward

Rylie Filby