National Intermediate Cup

Quarter-Final

Wootton Bassett 14

Berry Hill 53

BERRY Hill marched into the semi-finals of the National Cup with this emphatic victory over Wootton Bassett.

Electing to play against a strong breeze, Hill got off to a perfect start when Dave Arnott, who had a superb game, made a break from his own 22. He took the ball almost the full length of the field. A couple of plays later and the play was switched to Josh Cook, who put winger Dan Field over in the corner.

The home side reduced the arrears with a penalty before Hill effectively killed them off.

Josh Cook and Jason Revill both crossed for tries after flowing passages of play, then Matthew Powell and Adam Howells also went over, following up fine kicks from Arnott.

Adam's try was his first for the senior side.

Skipper Andy Wright powered his way over for try number six, then James Russell charged down an attempted clearance kick and touched down under the posts after some nimble footwork.

Two conversions from Osborne and Hill were 39-9 up by the break.

Ian Morgan came on for Tony Bean for the second half. It was no reflection on Bean's performance as he was outstanding during the first 40 minutes, making some ferocious hits.

Bassett didn't give up and began running the ball from all areas of the pitch.

However, despite their best efforts they could only muster one try in the corner.

Hill regained control of the match with Aaron Ryder replacing the injured Russell at full-back.

He set up Osborne for a try in the corner after another break from Cook, now playing in the centre. Ryder added the extra points.

All of Hill's remaining five subs were given an opportunity to savour the afternoon and the Foresters saved their best try to last.

Morgan broke clear from a maul and sprinted 40 metres towards the line. With the covering defence trying to cut off his run, and Dan Field in support, he threw an outrageous dummy which everyone bought and touched down himself. Ryder added a fine conversion.

This Saturday Hill return to league action for their last away game at Stroud (3pm).