The Hunter Wildfires are gearing up for a big month of rugby, including three crucial matches at home, No. 2 Sportsground.
First up, the club will celebrate Heritage Round against the Two Blues on Saturday 4 May, followed with a showdown with Warringah to acknowledge Ladies Day on 18 May.
Rounding it all is a clash with co-competition leaders Easts on 25 May.
“We’re keen to honour the diverse range of cultures we have within the Wildfires family,” Shute Shield coach Scott Coleman said.
“And, the players are looking forward to the occasion, too.
“The big one I guess is Ladies Day, that’s always popular.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful, vibrant, strong women in our rugby community.”
The Hunter outfit enters this weekend’s encounter with form on the board after knocking over Eastwood 38-19 to chalk up its second victory from four matches.
A highlight, however, was the debut of fullback Brendan Palmer, who scored a terrific team try, too.
“He’s a great player and an even better human,” Coleman said.
“Brendan’s a Merewether Carlton junior, who’s progressed through the Wildfires ranks, representing his state and country along the way.
“Ironically, he touched down in front of our young Colts side after they’d given him a rousing reception when he ran onto the field.
“You couldn’t have script it any better.”
Following a disappointing performance against Gordon, the Hunter boys were keen to strike back.
And, they did just that.
With several new faces in the line-up, the Wildfires posted five-pointers to Palmer, wingers Sitiveni Vahai and Deon Evans, flanker Donny Freeman, skipper Rob Puliuvea and Elyjah Crosswell, who was voted best on the park.
Flyhalf Ethan Morgan booted four conversions as well.
The women’s team also prevailed to the tune of 29-5.
However, second grade (26-14), Colts 1 (50-13) and Colts 2 (24-22) all suffered defeats.
Meanwhile, tickets for Ladies Day are now on sale.
Women will be treated to the Bubbles Bar and Gin Bar, talented teams from Hunter Just Cuts and a make-up artist, while an unlimited drinks package, game day entry, hot food, grazing platters, raffles, rugby, great company, post-match performances and karaoke kick-ons in the community room are also available.
Go to https://wildfires.iwannaticket.com.au/event/ladies-day-2024-MzEzNTk for prices.
Shute Shield
Round four results:
- Warringah d Manly 30-19
- Gordon d Sydney Uni 31-27
- Two Blues d Souths 31-26
- Hunter Wildfires d Eastwood 38-19
- Norths d West Harbour 34-22
- Randwick d Easts 29-28
Round five draw:
(Saturday 4 May)
- 3.05pm: West Harbour v Souths (Concord Oval)
- 3.05pm: Easts v Eastwood (Woollahra Oval)
- 3.05pm: Manly v Gordon (Manly Oval)
- 3.05pm: Norths v Randwick (North Sydney Oval)
- 3.05pm: Sydney Uni v Warringah (Sydney University Football Ground)
- 4.05pm: Hunter Wildfires v Two Blues (No. 2 Sportsground)
For more sports stories:
- NEWRL: Gutsy Lions keen to continue their winning ways
- NRLW: Knights suffer major blow as Johnston joins Sharks
- ALW: Bolden’s ‘golden’ season rewarded at Jets
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