CHOSEN HILL FP 6 CONEY HILL 27

Only 12-6 down after sixty minutes, Chosen Hill were still very much in this North Gloucester Combination Senior Cup semi-final, but a couple of defensive errors cost them penalty goals and two late converted tries sealed victory for the Cup Holders.

Coney Hill had first use of the slope but it was Chosen who had the first scoring chance when after fifteen minutes a fine forward effort took them into the visitors twenty two and skipper Andy King tried a drop goal that drifted agonisingly wide.

Five minutes later he put his side ahead with a penalty goal, but from the re-start Chosen lost possession in their own twenty two and when they were penalised for not rolling away Coney Hill opted for a scrum and Lee Morgan crossed for an unconverted try to grab the lead.

Five minutes later Chosen were in trouble again and the visitors ran a quick penalty that eventually ended with flanker Craig Ballinger crossing for a try converted by outside half Rory Baker, but then with half time approaching King landed a second penalty goal to narrow the gap to just six points.

For the opening ten minutes of the second half Chosen pressurised the Coney Hill line and twice they got over the line only to be denied by the ball being held up.

As the match entered the final quarter the home supporters were still hoping for a cup upset but when they were caught stranded with the ball in open space and failed to release the resultant penalty goal from Baker took the Coney Hill lead up to seven points.

As the match entered the final ten minutes Chosen were struggling to stay in touch and the constant defensive work eventually took it’s toll allowing Coney Hill in for two late tries, the first from a forward drive over the line and the second from a powerful run from winger Andy Macrae. Baker converted one of the tries to give his side a 27-6 victory but perhaps the scoreline was a little harsh on Chosen Hill who competed well in all phases of an entertaining match.