Old Bristolians 35 - Berry Hill 22

Helped by a BBQ, outside bar, excellent weather, and with only the first XV playing on Saturday, a healthy crowd came to watch the club play its first game in Western Counties North against recently relegated Berry Hill at Failand.

The team comprised a mixture of the team that ended last years campaign, six debutants and a couple of ex-first teamers returning to the club. Centre Henry Bird, back rower Pete Burcher and props Ross Osbourne and Tim Childs all made their debuts for the club. Brioch Hemmings and Charlie Howes made their first team debuts, and Charlie Caton and Matt Davies came back into the first XV after a couple of seasons.

OBs had the slope and wind advantage in the first half and made it count by scoring 25 points with Berry Hill managing a try near the end of the half. The kicking game and the ability to retain the ball in contact ensured OBs were regularly within the Berry Hill 22 and this led to an early penalty converted by Jack Price. Shortly after, play entered the Berry Hill 22 and quick ball allowed Jack Price to stroll over for a try that he converted.

The pressure continued, and after several phases, Henry Bird showed good strength to force his way over in the corner. Berry Hill found some rhythm with their rucking and mauling game and forced their way up field. Some strong defence from around the fringes from the back row trio of Pete Burcher, Matt Douglas and Andrew Montague eventually forced a turnover that enabled OBs to go once again into the Berry Hill 22. A clearance kick was collected by Brioch Hemmings, whose precisely timed pass to fellow debutant Charlie Howes allowed a searing break that almost led to a debut try. Charlie managed to off load from the tap tackle to Charlie Caton who cantered in under the posts, with Jack adding the conversion. Further pressure led to a penalty chance that Jack converted.

Berry Hill fought back well and they camped just outside the OBs line and eventually forced their way over for a well-worked try.
Turning around to go up the slope and against the wind, OBs prepared for the inevitable fight back from Berry Hill. The game often focused around the ruck and maul area, with Berry Hill retaining the ball well but the resolute OBs defence eventually forced several turn overs. Captain Mike Barton and hooker John Whiteman making several telling tackles and turn overs.

Berry Hill worked their way into the OBs 22 and scored a try from close range after several scrums near the OBs line and soon followed this up with third. As the game moved on, it opened up slightly, with both sides moving the ball around the park. Henry Bird judged an intercept perfectly and ran the ball in from the half way line and with Jack adding the conversion, OBs moved 15 points clear with about 10 minutes to go.

The final passage of play saw both sides throwing everything at each other, OBs were awarded a penalty with Jack converted and Berry Hill scored from a five metre scrum with the last play of the game to secure a four try bonus point.

Old Bristolians are away to Bristol Harlequins this weekend.