Western Counties North
Berry Hill 29
Keynsham 11
BERRY Hill kept their winning streak going with this hard fought win over plucky opponents.
Whoever managed the windy conditions the better was always likely to emerge victorious. Hill skipper Andy Wright won the toss and elected to play against the elements.
With kicking for position virtually impossible the Hill forwards were immediately penalised for trying to work their way out of the 22. Hill found themselves 3-0 down inside as many minutes.
Hill's forwards began to get on top and enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory for the remainder of the first-half. A period of pressure on the Keynsham line seemingly came to nothing when a Hill forward knocked-on close to the line, but a disruptive scrum caused panic and number eight Sean McRoberts pounced on the loose ball for a try wide out. Lee Osborne's conversion attempt was a token gesture in the strong wind.
Keynsham regained the lead when Luke Hunter was penalised for killing the ball in the home 22. He received a yellow card in the process.
Again, Hill responded positively, moving the ball through backs and forwards to produce an excellent try for full-back Josh Cook.
Hill went into the break with a deserved lead when a turnover was moved quickly through the backs. Dan Field was tackled just short, Clive Ryder took it inches further, then Andy Wright made no mistake with his follow-up drive. Again, Osborne couldn't get anywhere near the posts with the kick.
With conditions in their favour Hill were always favourites to complete victory in the second-half, but the visitors battled hard and a fine defensive effort kept Hill at bay.
The driven line-out proved an effective weapon for the home forwards and two tries resulted from it – for Kurt Brown and McRoberts. Osborne converted one of the scores.
The pick of the tries was saved for last as another fine passage of play involving forwards and backs took the ball back to the Keynsham line and Dave Arnott darted through a gap to score near the posts. Osborne converted.
Keynsham continued to battle until the end and managed a deserved consolation try at the death.
Having won 16 games on the trot, Hill now face a stern test of their promotion credentials with away league games at Yatton and Matson. If they come through those they'll be in a great position, with six of their remaining eight matches at home.
BERRY Hill United beat Dursley United 21-19 to stay top of Gloucestershire Reserve League North Two.
The Wappers now top North Three following their 32-23 victory over Spartans II.