Barry's pace tells (From Barry And District News)

Barry's pace tells

BARRY RFC 31 CALDICOT 5

AFTER the previous weekend's disappointment of an early exit from the WRU Principality Cup, it was back to the main challenge of Division 5 East rugby with a visit by Caldicot RFC.

With the Gwent side having recently accounted for Old Penarthians 48-3, a difficult encounter was envisaged but from the kick off Barry dominated and were soon rewarded after seven minutes with a Chris Cummings penalty goal.

Despite being reduced to 14 men for a yellow card offence the Barry team increased its lead when Cummings was again successful in kicking a long range penalty. Against a much bigger set of forwards, Barry opted for a fast open approach, which left the visitors struggling to cope with the pace of the game.

The Barry eight, with prop, Stuart Hunt, and number eight, Tony Bumford, prominent provided good quality ball enabling 'stand in' scrum half, Andrew Prosser, and outside half, Rhidian Scott, to dictate the proceedings, with Scott, in particular, using long range touch finders to keep his pack going forward.

Barry's first chance of a try came when Prosser, after an excellent blind side break, and a 40 metre dash, was denied a score following a desperate, but telling, tackle by the Caldicot cover defence.

On the few occasions when Caldicot threatened to break out they were repulsed by some excellent defence from three quarters; Kyle Fahiya, Chris and Rob Cummings and Dave Provis; and from full back, Tim Richards.

On the half hour Barry finally scored the try that they deserved when prop, Glen Morgan, completed an intricate move which had involved both backs and forwards to score a try which Cummings converted to give Barry a 13-0 lead.

Barry opened the second period with another Cummings penalty goal closely followed by a try from winger, Dave Provis, courtesy of a break from centre, Kyle Fahiya. Cummings converted to put Barry ahead by 23 - 0.

As Barry continued to dominate proceedings with locks, Martin Tanner and Matthew Campbell, controlling the lineouts and flankers, Jimmy Hill and Jason Evans, driving forward into the Caldicot midfield, there was a little respite for the visitors.

A further score came after Scott caught his opposite number in the Caldicot 22, cleverly chipped the ball ahead, for hooker, Brad Gee to gather and, with the help of prop, Glen Morgan, crashed over the line for an unconverted try.

A further penalty from Cummings, who scored 16 points in total, closed Barry's scoring and despite a last minute unconverted try from Caldicot, Barry were deserved winners by 31-5.

This was undoubtedly Barry's best performance to date with victory putting them top of the table, if only through alphabetical order, ahead of the other unbeaten sides, Brynithel and Old Illtydians.

An after-match surprise for the Barry team was the awarding of the 'Goulash Cup' by match sponsor Ian Fitzherbert of Fitz and Co.

This Saturday, October 5, the scheduled 1st XV match against St Peters has been postponed until October 19. The 2nd XV, however entertain Dinas Powis 2nd at home kick off 2.30pm.