Barry RFC exit Challenge Cup (From Barry And District News)

Barry RFC exit Challenge Cup

OLD ILLTYDIANS 36 BARRY 17

LAST Saturday Barry's interest in this season's WRU Challenge Cup competition ended when local rivals, Old Illtydians, defeated them by 36 points to 17.

For this game Barry were pleased to welcome back, Dave Provis, who had missed the three previous games through injury; outside half, Rhidian Scott; prop, Ian Peter and also John Oxenham, returning to the second row after a two-year break from rugby.

On a chilly but bright afternoon Barry's kick off went directly into touch, from the resulting half-way scrum Old Illtydians were able to gain a foothold in the Barry half, where, following a Barry indiscretion at a ruck, the "Illt's" were awarded a penalty goal which they converted for a three point to nil lead. This was soon increased to 10 points when a Barry attack faltered and the home side seized upon the loose ball, the resulting counter attack led to a well taken converted try.

Barry, however, by using the pack managed to gain a foothold in the Cardiff side's twenty-two where the forwards' efforts were rewarded with three points from the accurate boot of outside half, Rhidian Scott, for offside in midfield.

As half time approached two errors in the Barry defence led to two further tries for the "Illt's" to take a 22 point to 3 lead at the break.

The half time 'pep talk' certainly had an effect as Barry started to pile on the pressure. Scrum-half, Geraint Manning, after exploiting a gap on the narrow side of the scrum, was able to put Dave Provis clear for a try which Scott converted. Unfortunately this was soon followed by an injury to centre, Chris Cummings, whose replacement, John Dimond - normally a scrum half - was immediately targeted by the home side's centres and, before he had time to adjust to his new position, they were able to break through for another converted try for a 29 to 10 lead.

Barry, though did not fold, with the forwards playing well and with some forceful running by halfbacks, Manning and Scott, ably supported by centres, Provis and Dimond, were able to put pressure on the home side's defence. This was finally rewarded with an excellent try by right wing, 'Joost' Reynolds, which Scott converted to reduce Barry's deficit to 12 points. Barry continued to attack but a resolute Old Illtydian defence and some impatience in the Barry ranks prevented any further scores.

With time slipping away, a breakdown in the home side's twenty-two, saw the "Illt's" counter attack to put the game out of reach by running in another converted try, thus giving them victory by 36 points to 17 victory and progress into the third round.

Next Saturday Barry travel to meet top of the table Treherbert, the coach leaving the club at 12.30pm. The Second XV are away at Blackweir, where they are scheduled to play St Josephs, in a Cardiff and District league match. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.