The inaugural season of the Hills Football Premier League 1 has been closer than the finish of the 1997 Melbourne Cup, with Might and Power getting up by a nose.

After the the first 7 rounds of the competition and each team playing each other once, we still dont have a clear leader in first grade! Currently, Baulklham Hills, Sydney North West FC & Kellyville Kolts are sitting on 13 points with Kenthurst hot on their heels on 12. Winston Hills do have a game in hand.

Here is our PL 1 Round 1 Review!

1st – Baulkham Hills

The Kookas came into this years competition high on confidence after completing last years SHFA competition undefeated. After a draw with Kenthurst, and a loss to Sydney North West FC, questions were being asked if Baulko would be able to back it up after last years performances. They soon found their strides with comprehensive 5-1 wins over Hills Knights and Winston Hills. A tight 1-0 loss to Kellyville Kolts stopped the kookas from making it 3 in a row.

Baulkham Hills currently sit on top of the table with 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses. 13 points and a goal difference of +10.

2nd – Sydney North West FC

The surprise package for this years competition. 2nd in first grade and outright 1st in reserves. Sydney North West FC have some great depth and are well coached under Gary Hibbert. SNW currently have the best defence in the league.

In their first match, SNWFC came out slow against a youthful Castle Hill United.  They soon bounced back to defeat Baulkham Hills 1-0.  Further wins against The Knights & Kellyville Kolts have helped the reds sit equal top of the ladder.

4 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses. 13 points and a goal difference of +5.

3rd – Kellyville Kolts

Historically, the Kolts have always had a strong Premier League outfit, 2017 is no different sitting equal first with Baulko and SNW.  Losses to both Kenthurst and Sydney North West have been the only negatives in a great start to the season by the Kolts. A hard fought 1-0 win over Baulkham Hills was the highlight for round 1. Watch our for a strong back end to the season with the Kolts fighting for that elusive Champions of Champions spot.

4 Wins, 1 draw, 2 losses. 13 points and a goal difference of +3.

4th – Kenthurst

The bushboys first foray against former SHFA or Granville Association clubs.  After dominating the Gladesville association for the past few years, things haven’t gone as easy as they would have liked in Hills Football. Kenthursts matches  are always entertaining with high amounts goals scored in each. The Bushboys have already asserted their physical authority in the league. Good luck to any player who tries to win the ball in the air against Graeme Forbes. If talisman Tim Simpson can keep finding the net, Kenthurst will be knocking on the premiers door come August.

3 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss. 12 points and a +5 goal difference.

 

5th – Winston Hills

The premiers in last years Granville Association moved over to Hills Football with high expectations.  Like Kenthurst, not everything has gone their way. Currently sitting in 5th position, however a win in their catch up game against The Knights will see them jump 4 places into first position. Striker Luke Maddalena is currently sitting atop of the golden boot standings, largely due to an impressive 6 goal haul in their match against Castle Hill Rockets.

3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss. 11 points and a +1 goal difference.

6th – Castle Hill United

The very youthful Castle Hill United are a squad for the future. If they can stay together for a few years they will be a force to recon with. Striker Ben Welch has been on fire so far with 8 goals next to his name. If he can continue this form dont be surprised if you see the Green Machine sneak into finals contention.  Each match has been a close encounter and they pushed Baulkham Hills, Kolts and Winston Hills right to the wire in their losses this season.

2 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses. 8 points and a goal difference of +1

7th – Hills Knights

Hills Knights have the talent and the quality to push for a finals berth. with a bit of discipline and cool heads, they would be higher on the ladder.  Keiron Dowd has assembled a youthful side, like Castle Hill are a squad for the future.  The Knights will no doubt cause some upsets throughout the year and will have a late surge towards a finals birth.

1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses. 5 points and a -4 goal difference.

 

8th – Castle Hill Rockets – Relegated

The less we say about the Rockets short Premier League 1 stint the better. The Rockets will finish the year of in PL2