This was the last pool game of the Gloucester Cup, which to date had been a tough ride, 2 defeats, and a win by an inch against Minch. Judging by other results, the fixture away to Drybrook looked more do-able than previous games, but getting it set up in the first place, in the snowy, frosty winter months, had proven a problem. Finally arriving at the ground, it was easy to see how this high and exposed site would be prone to snow, however on this occasion we were blessed with clear blue skies and glorious sunshine, albeit with gusty blasts of a chilly east wind to remind us of the time of year.

Plain arrived with 19 players, a good mob for the first meet post-Christmas. Dry's hilly site meant that, apart from enjoying a fantastic view of the Forest and village, the pitch had a pronounced slope from one side to the other. The home side started with the strong wind behind them, and early exchanges suggested the game might be tighter than expected, until the home 9 was penalised for coming too far around a scrum, allowing Plain to take a quick tap penalty and loose Owen, Derek and finally Tristan to touch down.

Drybrook came back strongly and enjoyed some good possession, Kaiden having to make a strong tackle to stop their big 12 running a crash ball from a penalty. After 12 minutes the pressure paid off, Dry putting a runner through a couple of missed tackles to cross in the left corner and equalise.

The game remained evenly matched until Plain pace dealt a quick one two to the hosts. First, Derek took off from a midfield scrum, feeding Owen who outpaced the home defence to the line. Then the restart kick landed plumb in the scorer's hands, who lit the afterburners and scorched away down the right side to secure a brace in as many minutes. Dry continued to chase the game for the next 10 minutes, taking advantage of the following wind to kick long and chase, but it was the visitors who made their mark on the stroke of half-time, Jack R storming wide from a breakdown on the home 22 to claim Plain's 4th. The wind and slope conspired to defeat all but one conversion attempt on the morning; this time, with Nathan standing in for an injured Owen, the ball sailed cleanly through the sticks, to bring the half to a close at 5-22.

The Bemmy Boys started half 2 strongly, immediately getting over the line in the right corner, but dapped down by the opposition. From the dropout Plain pushed back into the left corner, and again crossed, but this time held up. Winning the 5 metre scrum, Plain's forwards drove onwards, and in the melee Olly picked and crashed over to open the second half account.

Dry pushed upfield to the away 22, but more good work at the breakdown turned the ball over, allowing Kai S, Derek and Cullum to batter their way back, until the ball went left to Nathan to canter away and over the line. Again the home side fought back, won a penalty 10 metres out, and made no mistake with the crash ball penalty to double their score. 3 minutes later Plain were back in their own 22, but a loose ball was kicked and chased by Tristan, who picked up and looked to be in for his second try until some brave defending brought him down. Kai S in close support still had plenty of work to do, shrugging off a couple of strong tackles before dotting down.

3 more quick tries from Cullum, Derek and Otto followed as Plain began to cut loose, and the game was effectively over. At 10-52 the official called it a day, and so ended an enjoyable morning's rugby in the chilly but sunny Forest heights. A good all round performance against a determined Drybrook side, who proved challenging in the first half, if not so much towards the end as the score piled up. Man of the Match was the abrasive Kai S, putting in a series of thumping tackles and irresistible carries, as well as winning throw-in ball, and copping a try to boot.

Where this leaves us in the draw for the next round is currently not clear, as it depends on the result of Longlevens v Cheltenham, yet to be played. No doubt Mark will let everyone know asap whether we go into the Cup or Plate quarter-final.

Thanks to Drybrook for a warm welcome on our first trip to the Forest, and also to the official for a good job done. An excellent start for 2018!