Western Counties North
Stroud 15
Berry Hill 19
BERRY Hill made their final away league trip of the season a winning one, but were slightly disappointing at Stroud.
With Tony Bean rested and Sean McRoberts unavailable, Hill shuffled their back-row.
Coach Brett Scriven moved to number eight with James Matthews – who impressed throughout – starting his first league game on the blindside.
The hosts exerted some early pressure and missed a long range penalty attempt, but for the remainder of the half it was all about the Hill pack.
They totally dominated their opposing eight, particularly in the scrums where they were able to move them where they wanted them.
Both of Hill's first half tries came from scrums five yards out.
Scriven had all the time in the world to control the ball before touching down twice.
He could have scored at least a couple more.
Dave Croudace added one conversion for a 12-0 half-time lead.
Stroud pulled back three points with a penalty but Hill stretched their lead with a penalty-try, converted by Croudace.
The pack were marching back towards the Stroud line when the home side collapsed another scrum.
Leading 19-3, Hill started to concentrate on bonus points and were guilty of trying too hard.
Stroud took full advantage to score two late tries, including one from the final play of the game.
It made the final score much closer than it should have been, but Fromehall Park has never been a happy hunting ground for Berry Hill.
The Foresters have won 11 out of 13 away games this season, a record to be proud of.
This Saturday, Hill play second-placed Thornbury at Lakers Road (3pm) and victory should secure the Western Counties North title.