Stroud facing relegation agony (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud facing relegation agony

South West 2 West Stroud RFC 15 Berry Hill RFC 29

STROUD are sadly looking set for relegation are this latest defeat.

Berry Hill took the game to Stroud and Lee Osborne, probably Hill's match winner, probed down the flanks with some astute kicking helped by delivery of some decent ball from a strong and determined pack.

Stroud fronted up and Rob Matts, Rupert Wakefield and Adam Tarplee put in some strong tackles.

It was very much against the run of play, after Stroud had made a rare foray into Hills half, that the welcome return of John Farr brought dividends with speed of play from the back of a ruck.

Steve Thompson fed Julian Harry who found Ed Crampton with a sublime pass that split Hill's defence wide open. Crampton touched down under the posts and Harry despatched the conversion.

Tails up, Stroud returned to the attack and within minutes Crampton was again released to score although the conversion slid wide.

It was all Stroud now with their forwards getting the edge of Hill in the loose and lineout, although set scrums were untidy.

Farr and Thompson seemed not to have missed each other for the past six months and worked Hill over the park.

The loss of Mike Wildy with a popped rib saw the introduction of Andy Jarrett.

It was a blow though when Anthony Lane escaped Strouds' cover just before half time and scored under the posts leaving Andrew Reid with a simple two pointer, however Stroud had the advantage of a modest wind and a lead of 12 - 7 at the break.

Harry increased Strouds' lead with a well-taken penalty.

Berry Hill reorganised and attacked Stroud and were rewarded with a try from a strong drive over the line, Richard Hobbs appearing from under the Black and Amber shirts.

A turning point arrived when foul play was missed and a penalty was awarded to Hill.

Reid drew the game level with an accurate kick leaving the match well balanced with the last quarter looming.

Stroud were further frustrated when a wonderful counter attack from full- back Adie Hand was strangely penalised for crossing when he had almost broken through Hills final line of defence.

However, Chris Watkins escaped Stroud's cover and scored under the posts, Reid added the extras.

Stroud were undone by missed tackles that allowed almost a cavalry charge of Hillmen to sprint in support of Matt Powell who scored, Reid again split the posts.

Sadly the game ended on a sour note with Adam Tarplee taking a knock.