Drybrook failed to hang on to their Combination Sevens title but they at least managed to win the Plate Competition after overcoming Bream.
Drybrook skipper Ben Large blamed over indulgence at the previous evenings Ow Bistival for several of the squad either not turning up or not being in a fit state for rugby.
Team coach Neil Morgan did his best to galvanise his troops but it was a big ask in the circumstances and he spent the majority of his time trying to rehydrate his squad under the BerryHill sun.
At the start of the tournament and for the first group match against Cinderford, the holders could only muster 6 men.
This meant it was a very tough game and fatigue eventually enabled Cinderford to pick up some late scores with the extra man.
Drybrook managed to get over the white line once when a cross field kick was gathered by Sam Peaper before touching down in the corner.
Late arrivals 1st XV manager Chris Rawlings and prop Craig Boughton were fast tracked into the squad for the next game with eventual winners Newent.
Luke Roberts provided the one stand out moment of the game for Drybrook when he kicked ahead and gathered from inside his own half before going the length for a great individual score.
Newent eased to victory by exploiting gaps out wide as Drybrook began to wilt.
By the time the third group match came against Westbury, the Drybrook squad were showing signs of recovery. Two first half tries apiece set up a tense finale but with one minute to go Nick Lewis and Matt Freeman combined to make the break that led to Sam Peapers winning try.
Plate Final v Bream
Given the luxury of a place straight into the final because Lydney were unable to field a team, two early tries from Chris Rawlings and Mitch Baldwin swung the momentum Drybrook’s way.
Bream came back but Drybrook finished on a high with tries from Ben Large and Luke Roberts.
Final Score –Drybrook 45pts Bream 14pts
Drybrook Squad; Ben Large (capt), Mitch Baldwin, Nick Lewis, Luke Roberts, Sam Peaper, Matt Freeman, Chris Rawlings, Clive Boughton
