Berry Hill 6ptsDrybrook 8pts
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Drybrook just squeezed home in this typically tough Forest derby following the toughest of examinations from a resurgent BerryHill outfit.
Following victory Drybrook unexpectedly found themselves in top spot when the news filtered through that closest rivals Matson and Chew Valley had both lost.
The strong wind was in Drybrook’s favour in the first half and they soon opened their account when Ollie Clements put over a fourth minute penalty from 35 metres.
Drybrook created a good position in Hill territory after 10 minutes with a line out on the 22 metre line. The initial surge was held up but the ball was quickly recycled and moved out to Dan Cox on the wing. The winger made good ground before trying to find support with an inside pass that deflected off the knee of BerryHill’s Mark Gwynne. The ball fell nicely for Drybrook skipper Simon Rugman who gathered before touching down for the game’s only try.
Just after Drybrook lost fullback Kristian Taft with a neck injury sustained in the pre-match warm up and BerryHill began to make inroads into Drybrook territory.
Drybrook defended well to keep BerryHill out but eventually a penalty was given and Aaron Ryder duly opened the home side’s account.
The exchanges were very physical and Hill keep up the pressure to further reduce the lead with a second Ryder penalty after 25 minutes.
Drybrook regained the initiative towards the end of the half and Clements was just wide with a drop goal attempt. The half ended with Drybrook applying a lot of pressure but with nothing to show for their efforts with the loss of Cox to injury further hampering their cause.
Half Time:
BeryHill 6pts
Drybrook 8pts
With no more back replacements to call on Drybrook had to be inventive with their second half line up and were forced to bring hooker Luke Fisher into the three-quarter line.
The match carried on in its intensity and though Hill came close on several occasions they could find no way through.
Both teams were guilty of a number of unforced errors as play became bogged down in mid field and Drybrook’s set piece play began to creek under the pressure.
A feature of the second half was that neither side gave any kickable penalty away and with ten minutes remaining Drybrook began to reassert themselves.
Playing mainly through the forwards Drybrook took play into Hill territory where Rugman was off target with a drop goal attempt.
Into the dying minutes it was all Drybrook and they were held up over the Hill line following a powerful forward surge.
The match ended with Drybrook just on top but they were mighty glad to hear the final whistle.
Drybrook 1st XV; Kristian Taft, Sam Peaper, Simon Rugman (capt), Ben Large, Dan Cox, Ollie Clements, Tom Treherne, Nick Ovens, Luke Fisher, Jun Sing Lee, Marcus Cowles, Glenn Nott, Neil Morgan, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements; Craig Clarke, Mitch Renton, Mitch Baldwin.
