Hoist-ing the Aussie flag in London

THE Hammersmith Hills Hoists Rugby League Club have completed a historic day by winning both the London League and Southern Premier Grand Finals.

The big day kicked off with the Hills Hoists’ second team competing in the London League grand final, a title the club has won since being established in 2009.  The Hoists completed their hat trick of premiership victories with an authoritative 30-16 point win against the West Norfolk Wildcats.  Forward Donny Hynes was the Hoist’s best and was rewarded for his brutal defence with a four pointer.  Newcomer and fullback Richard West continued his semi-final form with another strong effort and a try of his own, whilst Hoists’ play-maker Aaron ‘Taz’ Redfern went out in style having a hand in almost everything on the day.

The Hoists’ first team was promoted into the Southern Premier Conference in 2010, and led at the half-way point of last year’s premiership only to fall away at the end and miss out on the final.  There was no such repeat this year and the boys conquered all that came before them with an undefeated season that culminated in a thrilling 12-10 win against 2010’s national champions St Albans.

Captain/coach Wayde Kelly praised his team’s effort in what was their most physical and competitive game all year.

“St Albans saved their best for last, and threatened our line for much of the game, the boys just kept digging in and finding that extra effort to hold them out time after time,” beamed Kelly.

The Hoists flew out of the blocks with a 12 point lead thanks to tries from James Sharp and man of the match Brenton Winnell. They then almost surrendered that lead by letting in two tries in the second half with the scored locked up at 12-10. With 15 minutes left on the clock and just two points separating the strong teams, it turned out to be the longest 15 minutes of the Hoists boys’ (and many of the Hoists’ supporters) lives!

The Hoists now go on to the national finals and potentially a Challenge Cup birth which would be a phenomenal achievement for a club so young, especially a club from London.

Kelly commented: “Three years ago the league was concerned that the Hoists would be a ‘flash in the pan’ and only last a season.  To be in this position now is a sign to all that the only place the Hoists are keen on going, is onwards and upwards”.

If you’d like to be involved with the Hoists in 2012, please contact Steve Royle on 0778 999 3619.