BERRY Hill's 20 match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with a 38-19 defeat at Old Centralians in Western Counties North.
However, Hill officials received the good news on Tuesday that they are through to the last eight of the National Cup.
Brett Scriven's side were supposed to visit Truro in the last 16 this Saturday, but the Cornishmen have surprisingly withdrawn from the competition – claiming they have so many injuries they would struggle to put out a team.
Hill found it hard to match a skilful Old Cents side on a dry pitch last Saturday.
Playing with the elements in the first half, they were on the back foot for the opening 20 minutes and it was no surprise when they fell behind to a penalty. Eventually, the Hill forwards managed to put some phases together, sending James Russell over in the corner.
Lee Osborne missed the conversion but extended the lead with a penalty.
Old Cents hit back with a converted try from a driven line-out.
Hill responded with a second try from scrum-half Dave Arnott (pictured).
Osborne's conversion hit the post, but another penalty put his side 16-10 up at the interval.
Old Cents were quick out of the blocks for the second half and stole down the blindside of a ruck for a try.
Osborne landed his third penalty, but the home side attacked from deep and evaded tackles for a touchdown.
Hill, now trailing 24-19, kicked to the corner after winning a penalty. The forwards went for a back peel move, but lost the ball.
The home fly-half kicked into space and his winger raced up to gather the ball and sprint over.
With the game now up, Hill conceded a fifth try.
They remain top of the league, two points in front of Thornbury.