North Bristol chalk up first victory of season

North Bristol held on for their first league win of the season, edging out Berry Hill at Almondsbury.

The home side dominated the first half, turning around 17 points ahead thanks to tries from fly-half Antony Jelf and No 8 Nigel Smith, with Jelf adding both conversions and a penalty.

North, who could easily have been out of sight after having two further tries disallowed and missing two kickable penalties, then let their hold on the game slip, conceding a string of penalties.

Berry Hill landed four kicks and were pushing for what would have been the winning score when they knocked on and the final whistle sounded.

At the other end of the table, Tim Stephens booted four penalties and two conversions as Thornbury secured an excellent 36-32 win away to leaders Old Redcliffians.

Flankers Tom Guzman and Jack Hussey, centre Dave Mathews and fly-half Wayne Underwood claimed tries for the visitors.

Barton Hill remain second despite going down 31-18 at Centralians. Player-coach Ian Patten touched down, while there was also a penalty try for Barts, with fly-half Jack Steer slotting a conversion and two penalties.

Barton Hill have an early chance to bounce back as they take on Southmead tonight (7.30pm) in the final first-round Charles Saunders Combination Cup game to be staged at the Portway Rugby Development Centre.

At stake is a home quarter-final with holders Clifton.