Western Counties North
Bristol Harlequins 25
Berry Hill 33
IT was a case of the good, the bad and the ugly for Berry Hill in Bristol.
Hill gained another bonus point win with some well-worked tries, but the way they conceded three tries was disappointing.
The ugly side of their play saw them give away unnecessary penalties and pick up needless yellow cards, finishing the game with 13 men on the field.
The pitch was firm but perfectly playable.
Hill got off to the worst possible start when a high kick from the Quins fly-half was misjudged by James Legge. Quins followed up quickly to score.
Hill's response was immediate and some flowing rugby involving backs and forwards led to a ruck close to the Quins line. Dave Arnott dummied his way through a gap to score.
Lee Osborne kicked the conversion and three penalties to put his side 16-5 up and seemingly in cruise control.
Before the game, the Foresters had talked about not kicking the ball to the talented Quins full-back.
When he collected a Josh Cook clearance near to the touchline there didn't seem any danger, but a succession of missed tackles and some elusive running resulted in a try in the corner. An excellent conversion put the hosts back in the game.
Matt Powell (pictured) restored Hill's two score advantage, finishing off a good move with a try in the corner.
It was 21-15 at the break when Quins added another penalty.
Following a constructive dressing down at half-time, Hill flew out of the blocks to grab two more tries.
Dave Arnott got his second try of the match with a replica of the first, dummying his way over in the corner.
His box kick then caused alarm in the Quins defence. Arnott retrieved the ball and linked up with Kurt Brown to take the ball over the line. The referee awarded Hill a penalty, which Arnott tried to take quickly. He was stopped illegally, resulting in a penalty-try, converted by Osborne.
Quins kicked a penalty to reduce the arrears.
Hill were now giving away silly penalties when disciplined defence was required. Dan Field was sent to the bin for an off the ball incident on the touchline.
Kurt Brown followed him for handling the ball in a scrum as his fellow forwards were about to win it anyway.
Down to 13 men, Hill could not stop Quins from scoring again.
It wasn't the greatest performance from the league leaders, but Bristol Harlequins is a tough place to go and win – especially after a tough midweek cup clash with Thornbury.
This Saturday, Berry Hill are at home to Keynsham (2.30pm).
Their RFU Intermediate Cup game at home to Oldfield Old Boys is on February 26, not February 12 as previously stated.