National Intermediate Cup

Berry Hill 34

Oldfield Old Boys 29

after extra-time)

BERRY Hill moved into the South West final of the National Intermediate Cup with this thrilling extra-time win over an excellent Oldfield side on Saturday.

Hill must now travel to Truro in the next round on March 19.

Hill realised they were up against quality opposition within minutes of the kick-off when the visitors moved the ball quickly down the blind side from a scrum and a chip and chase from the Oldfield winger put him under the posts for a 7-0 lead.

Hill's response was immediate – some quick rucks and powerful bursts from the forwards allowing Brett Scriven to crash over for a try which Lee Osborne converted.

Oldfield regained the upper hand with two identical tries from their right winger, who skipped past tackles to give his side a 21-7 advantage.

Just before the interval, Hill cut the deficit to 21-12 with a trademark try from Sean McRoberts from the back of a 5m scrum.

Hill improved markedly in the second half to bring the game to life.

Skipper Andy Wright found himself at the bottom of a driven line-out to reduce the arrears to five points.

Oldfield replied with another try in the corner following some weak tackling.

Back came Hill – fly-half Dave Croudace dummying his way under the posts. Osborne's conversion meant the gap was now just two points.

Hill were unable to control the restart and a penalty gave the visitors a 29-24 lead. The Foresters threw everything at their opponents and, with the final play of the match, moved the ball wide for Josh Cook (pictured) to score in the corner.

Osborne's conversion into the wind to win the tie dropped under the posts so the game went into extra-time, 10 minutes each way. The Oldfield forwards tired significantly, allowing Hill's pack to finally dominate.

The first period of extra-time produced no scores, but Hill remained the better side in the final 10 minutes, camping on the Oldfield line.

Again, the ball was moved wide from a ruck on the line and wing Dan Field gleefully raced over to touch down in the corner and secure a memorable win for his side.

This Saturday, Hill return to league action at home to North Bristol (2.30pm).