Barry RFC get to grips with St Peters (From Barry And District News)

Barry RFC get to grips with St Peters

BARRY 22PTS, ST JOSEPH'S 5PTS

DESPITE heavy rain and a strong south westerly wind, Barry gave a determined and focused performance to stretch their league record to seven wins out of seven played when they overcame St Joseph's in last Saturday's encounter at the Reservoir Field. Injuries from the previous weekend's game at Blaina resulted in changes to both the forwards and backs. John Haskell replaced Glen Morgan at prop, Giles Sommerwill came into the back row instead of Tony Bumford, and Chris Cummings went in to the centre for Dave Williams who moved to fullback in place of Tim Richards.

St Joseph's kicked off and within three minutes opened their account when, from a ruck, the ball was moved quickly along the threequarter line for their left winger to cross for an excellent corner try and 5 point lead.

Barry, with the slope in their favour and with territorial advantage, spent the remainder of the first half trying to get on terms but had to wait until just before the half-time whistle for winger Dave Provis to crash over for a try.

Centre Chris Cummings converted to give his side a 7-5 half-time lead. Within minutes of the restart Barry increased their lead when, following a scrum on the visitors' 22, scrum-half Andrew Prosser moved the ball to the narrow side for fullback Williams to draw his man and send Provis in for his second try.

With the Barry pack taking control and halfbacks Prosser and Rhidian Scott dictating play, the home side besieged the St Joseph's 22, but resolute defence and excellent kicking by their outside-half kept Barry at bay.

It was during one of these attacks that Scott received a red card for foul play and Barry found themselves down to 14 men with 15 minutes to play. Cummings moved to outside-half and flanker Jason Evans left the back row to take his place in the centre.

The seven-man pack, ably led by captain and lock Martin Tanner, refused to buckle and, with excellent tackling from the midfield, prevented St Joseph's from capitalising on their numerical advantage.

Centre Grantley Harris was able to pounce on a loose ball and sprint clear for a try under the posts which Cummings converted. Finally Cummings kicked a penalty to clinch a 22-5 win.

This win keeps Barry, with 21pts, at the top of Division 5 East from Newport Saracens and Old Illtydians who have 18 points each.

Next Saturday, Barry travel to Cardiff to meet Illtydians in a top of the table clash, ko 2.30pm. The Second XV are due to meet Cowbridge and the Youth XV entertain Llanrumney Youth. Both games are at home, kick-off 2pm.