Barry unlucky to concede 10 points in injury time (From Barry And District News)

Barry unlucky to concede 10 points in injury time

BARRY 26

TREHERBERT 36

TREHERBERT, currently lying third in Division Three South East, were very lucky to leave the Reservoir Field with the spoils after Barry led by three points with five minutes left.

Despite the gap of eight places between the sides and with the spectre of November's 68-17 defeat at Treherbert still fresh in their minds, Barry produced one of their best performances to date and were unfortunate to concede ten points in eight minutes of stoppage time.

Barry lost the toss and kicked off down the slope with a very strong and chilly wind at their backs. The opening stages were even with Barry's few forays into the visitors' half being comfortably repulsed.

After ten minutes, the home side took the lead with a penalty by full back Chris Cummings, which was immediately countered by a Treherbert penalty.

Barry began to exert pressure on the visiting defence and a further Cummings penalty gave them a 6-3 lead.

After some sterling work by the pack, prop Ian Peter forced his way over the line for an unconverted try.

From the restart, the Rhondda side took full advantage of some Barry indiscipline to kick their second penalty, after which centre Grantley Harris intercepted a pass in midfield and raced clear for an excellent try between the posts. Cummings converted.

With half time approaching, Barry went further ahead when flanker Jason Evans gained due reward for some excellent play, scoring an unconverted try to go in 23-6 ahead.

Treherbert opened the second half with a converted try.

Barry's forwards got into the visitors' 22 on numerous occasions only to find their efforts were in vain when mistakes were punished by raking kicks 60 metres towards their own line.

As the game entered the final quarter, a professional foul deprived Treherbert of quick ball. This resulted in Barry scrum half John Dimond receiving a yellow card and ten minutes in the bin.

Tredegar goaled the penalty and within minutes brought the scores level when, after stretching the weakened Barry defence, they were able to cross beneath the posts for another converted try.

Further back-chat to the referee by a Barry player gave the visitors the opportunity to kick another penalty for a 26-23 lead.

With time running out, the Barry players showed greater determination to gain a foothold in the visitors' 22 from where another Cummings penalty brought the scores level.

As the game entered injury time, and after another of their attacks failed, Barry gave away a penalty to allow Treherbert a three-point lead.

Finally, in the last move of the game Treherbert won a five-metre lineout, added all but two of their backs to the ensuing maul to help drive their pack over for a converted try, and secured a 36-26 victory.

Although for Barry it was another defeat, there were a number of pluses for players, coaches and spectators.

The players showed that they are able to compete with teams from the top of the division and, if they can maintain the momentum shown in the last three games, they should be able to win a few more.

The Six Nations break means that Barry do not take to the field again until Saturday, March 6, when they travel to Mountain Ash to play last week's postponed fixture.

It is important that there is a full complement at the Monday and Tuesday training sessions.

On the weekend of the Wales v France match, on March 6-7, Barry Vets are playing a fixture against old rivals Beauvais OUC Veterans.

Any aspiring golden oldie who is willing to accept the challenge from Barry's Gallic friends should telephone Colin Knapman, on 07779 403648.