MANY a year has passed since Berry Hill last enjoyed such a successful rugby season. The First XV is top of Western Counties North, the United top Reserve League North Two and the Wappers are second in North Three.

To win it they have to lower the colours of neighbouring Cinderford...and they can't wait!

"We are looking forward to that one. It's always a hard game and I'm sure there will not be lot in it," says Wappers manager Richard Powles.

This is the team that likes winning but where fun comes first. Powles admits that being second in the league has sharpened endeavour, making matches more competitive.

Westbury's second string offered a good test and there was only one score in an excellent game.

"We won comfortably at Westbury, but that day they were short of a few players. This time they were much stronger so it was a much closer affair," said Powles.

The crucial score came after only 15 minutes when Wappers' outside-half Jeremy Parker squeezed over in the corner for an unconverted try. Parker played a prominent role for the team as his kicking out of hand was excellent and he frequently drove the Severnsiders back from promising positions.

Man-of-the-match was lock forward Tommy Hill, described by Powles as in excellent form at the line-outs where he took all his own ball while consistently robbing Westbury.

Another good performance came from Eddie 'Chip Shop' Ennis who made a number of powerful runs.

Final word to Powles who says those involved will understand: "Barney Barnes, the ref, had to get the skippers together after Westbury's on-loan player from the Monkey Tump threw his toys out of the pram for being tackled. Luckily for the persons involved Barney had left his cards in the car. At that stage the game could have gone either way with Westbury pressing hard for the try but Barnes had seen enough and blew for time."