Glos Reserve League Div 3

Minchinhampton Rams 19 Berry Hill III 7

MINCHINHAMPTON Rams and Berry Hill played out an entertaining match in front of an enthusiastic crowd with the hosts ending 19-7 winners.

The game ebbed and flowed and while the Rams just had the edge, Berry Hill's superior rucking and mauling – in part thanks to loaned Minch player Matt Jenns – gave them plenty of clean ball and possession.

On 30 minutes, the stalemate was broken when Rams winger Ed Voss chased down and hacked on Langford’s well-judged raking kick from the halfway line, putting Minch into the lead.

Berry Hill responded almost immediately with a try of their own. Indeed, they almost took the lead as the half drew to a close, when their winger raced down the touchline only to be overhauled and vigorously pushed into touch by Rams captain Beaumont.

From the start of the second half, despite losing playmaker Nick Dill to injury, the Rams sensed victory as Berry Hill tired and the hard-fought first half took its toll on players.

Nevertheless, the visitors played with admirable determination in the face of the Rams' dominance.

With much of the second half played in Berry Hill’s half and fresh legs coming on for Minch, the Rams should have piled on the points but they were repeatedly held up just short, until Ben Read touched down a chip from Langford following good work from Alan Hawling and Fraser Smith.

The Rams’ spirits were dampened somewhat when No.8 Ian French sustained a nasty ankle injury, following a performance of typical forcefulness and ebullience.

There was still time for evergreen fly half Clive Eagles to convert the final try.