Powergen Intermediate Cup

THIS was a fairly comfortable win for Stroud against a Berry Hill team, themselves languishing at the bottom of South West 2 West.

Stroud were without some key players, but of those pushing for a first team shirt James Sharples was the pick of the afternoon out on the wing.

He made his presence felt early when, after Stroud's pack had underlined their dominance at the first two scrums, a flowing move released Sharples to score wide out.

Berry Hill responded with an attack and caught Stroud offside, Jack Sargeant was unfortunate to hit the uprights from in front of the posts, however he was quickly offered a second chance moments later when Stroud again infringed.

Stroud returned to the attack and were awarded a penalty to move the scoreboard on. Credit to Berry Hill, although fielding a much lighter side, they put Stroud on the back foot and had a couple of chances out wide, but slick defending and wrong options denied them.

They did get one move right though that saw the ball moved tight through several pairs of hands before Simon Rugman touched down in the corner.

Stroud remained pretty much in control and underlined this when Sharples again showed a clean pair of heels to score, the conversion was slotted comfortably. With the bit in their teeth Stroud continued to dominate and pack strength paid off when a second catch and drive saw Rob Davey peel off and fall over the line.

At half-time Stroud were comfortable at 20-8 and another score would in essence secure the result. As it was Berry Hill made all the running and Stroud rarely ventured into Hill territory for maybe twenty minutes. Numerous opportunities opened for Hill but robust defence kept them out.

Of particular note was Stroud's Rob Matts who was having a stormer. Easily the most consistent performer this season he was completely dominant in the lineout and tackled relentlessly all afternoon.

Relief from Hill attacks often came from John Farr's astute box kicking, and as Stroud's pack slowly regained control and Hill tired Stroud looked to kill the game off.

A couple of promising breaks were thwarted however after the uprights were again hit following a penalty award Stroud eventually managed to get the ball between them, thus leaving Hill three scores adrift.

As a contest it was over, although Sharples did have a meandering run off his Wing that came to nothing. Hill did have the last word in injury time when following a couple of penalty awards Tony Lane went over in the corner. Rugmans conversion was well taken however the final scoreline did flatter Hill slightly.