Wednesday 3rd April 2013 – Combination Junior Cup Quarter-Final

Drybrook United 10pts – Ross-on-Wye 1st XV 7pts

Click here to view match photographs.

Played under the Mannings’ floodlights on a bitterly cold evening, both teams gave it their all in a typically bruising cup tie in which Drybrook just did enough to scrape through.
Drybrook had all the early territorial advantage but Ross competed well at the breakdown and looked to counter attack whenever possible.
With their first incursion into the Drybrook half Ross took the lead on 17 minutes when a lightening break led to a penalty award. Gareth Holdsworth took it quickly to dive over for the opening score and Casey Morgan converted to extend the lead.
Ross had Ollie Flloyd yellow carded on 22 minutes but just when Drybrook were getting on top their winger Connor Hale joined him for misuse of the boot.
Drybrook continued to press and skipper Andy Milner drilled over a low penalty after 32 minutes to leave the half time score at 7pts – 3pts in favour of the visitors.
Drybrook’s scrum half Mitch Baldwin left the field at the break with a hand injury so centre Danny Griffiths filled the berth with Ryan Dubberley coming into the centre.
It was equally tight in the second half but Drybrook’s scrum began to get on top and a series of driving mauls kept play in the Ross half.
Eventually Drybrook had a scrum near the Ross line and after a couple of

attempts they pushed the visitors back and Danny Griffiths was awarded the try.
Milner converted but missed a later penalty as Drybrook tried to make the game safe.
Griffiths looked to have got over for a try in the last minute but referee Charlie Gayther was unsighted so awarded a scrum.
Drybrook had the chance to go for another pushover but decided to kick the ball dead to ensure victory.
Drybrook now have another tough game to look forward to, this time away to Bream 1st XV who overcame BerryHill United by 22pts – nil in their quarter-final tie.

Drybrook United XV; Andy Milner (capt), Connor Hale, Sam Peaper, Danny Griffiths, Kane Hale, Adam Swordy, Mitch Baldwin, Connor Auker-Howlett, John Baynham, Tony Suter, Joe James, Ben Warren, Joe Tingle, Mitch Browning, Toby McCormick
Replacements; Ryan Dubberley, Jun Sing Lee, Jim Rugman, Jack Davies, Tony Hussey.

Drybrook United’s last home league match of the season has already been called off by visitors Old Patesians as has the Extras league match at home to Stow-on-the-Wold.
A combined XV will now play Newent’s second string at the Mannings on Saturday 6th April