Guildford Owls claim 2019 Nathan Gremmo Memorial Shield with thrilling 32-30 win over Hills Bulls

The biggest day on the Hills Bulls’ calendar just keeps on growing as a massive crowd turned out in celebration of the 2019 Nathan Gremmo Memorial Shield.

Guildford Owls took out the 2019 Nathan Gremmo Memorial Shield with a thrilling 32-30 win over Hills Bulls in the Ron Massey Cup. Pictures: Adam Yip

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The biggest day on the Hills Bulls’ calendar just keeps on growing as a massive crowd turned out to Crestwood Oval, Baulkham Hills, on Sunday for the 2019 Nathan Gremmo Memorial Shield.

Held in memory of the 13-year-old Hills junior who died after being hit by a car in 2014, the main event of the day saw a thrilling Ron Massey Cup clash between Hills and the Guildford Owls.

Following an emotional minute’s silence in honour of Nathan, the match opened with a quickfire double to Guildford as winger Daniel Lotu and centre Joshua Camroux both crossed in the first 10 minutes.

(L-R front) Jesse Weismantel (11), Liam Gray (6), Samuel Kelly (11), Riley Brown (10). (L-R back) Rod Gray, Hills Shire mayor Michelle Byrne, Michael Gremmo and Shane Motu.

The Owls continued to make the most of their early momentum, stretching their first-half lead to 16 thanks to Camroux’s second try.

Hills finally managed to strike back through fullback Christopher McCoy just before the break.

NATHAN GREMMO MEMORIAL SHIELD PHOTO GALLERY

The second stanza began identically to the first with a 42nd minute try to Guildford second-rower Blake Judd pushing the scoreline out to 20-6.

Not about to lie down, Hills responded with a flurry of tries to head into the final 10 minutes in front 30-22.

But they weren’t able to close out the win as Guildford scored twice in three minutes to ultimately clinch the shield 32-30.

A late flurry of tries wasn’t enough for the Bulls to be able to retain the shield.

“It was an absolutely cracking day,” Bulls president and Nathan’s father Michael Gremmo said.

“It’s amazing the level of support we had from the entire community and especially the Bulls members, families and friends.

“I’d really like to give a big thank you to everyone who attended for showing up and making the day what it is.”