Honours even (From Barry And District News)

Honours even

BARRY 17 PTS

TONYREFAIL 17 PTS

ON AN overcast and raw Saturday afternoon, Barry welcomed Tonyrefail on their first visit to the Reservoir Field where, despite a very spirited performance, the home side were denied victory by a last minute converted try.

With the visitors also languishing at the foot of the division this was obviously a game that both sides needed to win and as, in the rugby World Cup final, the result was in doubt until the final kick of the match.

Barry, having lost the toss, kicked off down the slope and with the opening stages being rather static and without much excitement both sets of supporters had to wait until the game entered the second quarter for the opening score.

At this point Barry were beginning to dominate proceedings with the back row of Dai Griffiths, Jason Evans and Simon Phelps; locks Mathew Campbell and Lyndon James; and hooker Andrew Prosser all to the fore.

It was pleasing to see the return of Prosser to the fray for his presence has been sorely missed.

A surging 50 metre run by Griffiths, who brushed aside all would-be tacklers, resulted in a series of rucks on the Tonyrefail line which allowed prop Ashley Brown to burrow over for a try which outside-half Rhidian Scott converted.

Barry then went further ahead when centre Andrew Griffiths used his pace and strength to break through the visitors' defence for an excellent individual try which Scott converted for a 14pts to nil lead.

Unfortunately, on the stroke of half-time, Barry gave away a penalty which Tonyrefail kicked to reduce the deficit to 3pts at the interval.

Barry started the second period on the attack and, with the backs now playing with a great deal more confidence than of late, encamped in the visitors half, but in spite of this they were unable to turn possession into points.

After another Barry attack was thwarted by resolute tackling a quick break out of defence by Tonyrefail resulted in a converted try which put them within 4 pts of the local side. However, Scott hit back with another successful penalty kick, to increase Barry's lead to 7 pts.

As the game entered its final stages Barry, especially after the introduction of two old heads into the Tonyrefail pack, were now finding it difficult to gain possession but still endeavoured to attack the visitors' line.

After a long kick and chase into the Valleys side's 22, another Barry score looked imminent, but a lost ball allowed Tonyrefail to counter attack.

A last ditch tackle by Evans prevented a certain try but a series of scrums on the Barry line proved too much for the Barry eight who were unable to prevent a pushover try and with the successful conversion Tonyrefail denied Barry their second league victory and also gained a share of the league points.

Next Saturday Barry have another free weekend whilst the Seconds are scheduled to play Canton at home, in a Cardiff and District league match, ko 2.30pm.