South West Division Gloucester Premier

Berry Hill 23–29 Cheltenham Saracens

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Gloucester Premier new boys Berry Hill were hardly given the gentlest of introductions to life in a new division.

After two defeats on the road, the Hillmen were edged out in their first game in front of a home crowd.

With 125th anniversary celebrations in full swing on Saturday afternoon, a win against Cheltenham Saracens would have been the icing on the cake.

But a healthy haul of 23 points gave the Forest side their first points of the season – albeit a losing bonus – and was enough to lift them off the foot of the table.

The club recognised life in the Gloucester Premier would be difficult for its young side.

After promotion from Gloucester One last season, the new boys have indeed found it tough.

Sarries have been among the early pacesetters so to come within six points in a high-scoring match will deliver some much-needed confidence.

Certainly, had some plays gone a little differently, Hill might have chalked up their first win of the season.

Berry Hill are on the road again this weekend with a trip to face Frampton Cotterell.

The Bristol side are currently ninth in the table and after Saturday’s performance, Hill will look for a first win.