RFU Intermediate Cup

South West Area Semi-Final

Berry Hill 32

Weston Hornets 28

BERRY Hill produced their best performance of the season to beat the Western Counties leaders in this Gloucestershire/Somerset final.

Hill got off to a good start with a neatly taken drop-goal from Aaron Ryder.

The fly-half extended the lead with two further penalties and although the visitors looked dangerous, particularly out behind, Hill were good value for their advantage.

However, a mistake in midfield gifted Hornets a soft try under the posts.

Ryder added his third penalty for a 12-7 half-time lead, but it did not look enough of a gap.

Those worries were soon confirmed as Hornets, with the elements now in their favour, quickly ran in two tries for a 21-12 lead.

Hill's problems were compounded when yellow cards were shown in quick succession to player/coach Brett Scriven (tackling a player without the ball) and Matt Powell (late tackle).

Incredibly, despite trailing by nine points and with only 13 men on the field, Hill clawed their way back. Ryder kicked a penalty before the match turned on a key moment.

Hornets won a penalty 30m out and in front of the posts.

Instead of going for goal to leave Hill needing to score twice, they kicked for the corner in search of another try.

Hill won a penalty and relieved the pressure.

They worked their way up the field and eventually created an overlap for centre Tom Llewellyn to score. David Croudace's conversion put the hosts back in front.

With their tails up, Berry Hill produced their best try of the season with a break from their own 22. The forwards turned over the ball and the backs moved it quickly with some tremendous passing. Dave Croudace finished off the move by touching down.

The game was still in the balance as Hornets pressed the Hill line.

Eddie Ruck pounced on a loose pass to intercept and run clear. The defence caught him but conceded a penalty in doing so. Hill kicked to the Hornets line and quickly created an opening for Ruck to finish what he had started and score in the corner.

Hornets managed another try from the last play of the game but it was too little too late.

This was a superb all-round team performance from Berry Hill, who now travel to Cornwall to face St Austell in the South West final on February 2.

Man of the match was second-row Grant Copeland.