Drybrook 22ptsBerry Hill 0pts
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Drybrook comfortably saw off the challenge of local rivals BerryHill in this eagerly anticipated fixture played in front of nearly 500 spectators.
BerryHill had the first chance of points in the second minute but Aaron Ryder’s penalty dropped short from 40 metres. Almost immediately Drybrook turned defence into attack with a kick and chase that led to Hill scrum half Chris Watkins just getting back to rescue his side.
Drybrook remained camped in BerryHill territory for a long period and after a number of infringements the visitors were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card.
Drybrook continued to pound away at the Hill defence and with 19 minutes gone they finally got their reward when prop forward Nick Ovens crashed over for a try.
It did not take Drybrook long to set up another series of attacks and a try was just missed when they were bundled into the corner by some terrific BerryHill tackling.
The constant pressure led to Ollie Clements increasing Drybrook’s lead with two penalties but despite a magnificent rear guard action from BerryHill a second try had to come.
Drybrook were held up in the in goal area but following this a smart blindside break from centre Dan Cox created the space for fullback Tom Treherne to go racing in at the corner.
Half Time:
Drybrook 16pts
BerryHill nil
Drybrook started the second half strongly and Clements put them further ahead with his 3rd successful penalty after six minutes.
BerryHill had their first real attack after this but a relieving clearance kick alerted the danger and it was not long before Clements put over another penalty for Drybrook.
A second yellow card reduced BerryHill to 14 men for a period but despite a wealth of possession Drybrook could not find a way through.
BerryHill defended as if their lives depended on it with lock Jim Matthews in particular putting in a number of big hits.
Drybrook should have gone on to score more points, but with every loose ball fiercely contested, the opportunity did not present itself.
For Drybrook prop Craig Clarke and No 8 Mitch Renton were prominent with second row Rich Cottrell controlling the line out for his team. Scrum half Carl Moore made a real nuisance of himself all afternoon and centre Dan Cox was strong in defence and attack.
For the Hill men the entire back row worked tirelessly with Matthews and scrum half Watkins also in the thick of the action.
Drybrook 1st XV: Tom Treherne, Mitch Baldwin, Dan Cox, Ben Large, Kristian Taft, Ollie Clements, Carl Moore, Craig Clarke, Luke Fisher, Nick Ovens, Rich Cottrell, Neil Morgan, Rorie Day, Dan Price, Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Ashley Howells, Simon Rugman, Lee Ward.
BerryHill 1st XV: S Hatton, L Hanson, S Brown, A Stephens, K Bower, A Ryder, C Watkins, C Ryder, A Wright, G Lewis, J Matthews, C Williams, L Overthrow, K Brown, S McRoberts.
Replacements; M Gwynne, E Annis, L Beard.
