Western Counties North

Keynsham 9

Berry Hill 12

BERRY Hill secured their seventh consecutive league win in Western Counties North, but this was largely a match to forget.

Heavy rain on Saturday morning and another downpour just as the players took to the field meant both sides faced wet conditions for the first time this year.

It made for an error-strewn game, not helped by a referee who failed to control the tackle area – bemusing both sets of players and supporters with some of his decisions.

Lee Osborne kicked two penalties for Hill but Keynsham led 9-6 just before half-time with three penalties of their own.

Hill then produced their best move of the half.

Following a turnover, the ball was moved quickly across the backs and Matt Powell looked sure to put replacement wing James Legge over in the corner. The Keynsham full-back deliberately batted down the pass to prevent an almost certain score. Osborne kicked the resulting penalty to level things up.

The second-half continued in a similar fashion. Both teams grew frustrated, leading to the occasional flare-up. This only added to the stop, start nature of the game. With just five minutes remaining the Keynsham forwards were penalised for being offside at a ruck. Osborne gave Hill the lead with his fourth penalty from 35m out. Having gained the lead Hill began to play the type of rugby they should have played from the kick-off.

Ian Morgan took a couple of nice balls at the front of the line-out and the Hill pack drove their hosts back at least 30 metres on two occasions. They should have made one of the drives count for a try. In the end they were relieved to hear the final whistle and take the four points home.

This Saturday, the Hillmen play Matson at home (2.30pm). Chris Scott won't be there because he is marrying girlfriend Roxanne. All at the club wish him well.