Lions are mauled (From Barry And District News)

Lions are mauled

LYNDONS Lions played their first game of the season on Sunday, a friendly away to Pentyrch.

In the under-11s section, the games are played 20 minutes each way and this extra playing time was a contributory factor in the end result, with Barry Lyndons Lions defeated 28-12.

A little ring-rusty from the summer layoff, the Barry team struggled in the loose and in the rucks where they were often pushed off the ball and conceded turnovers.

They were, however, very strong in the mauls and stopped many an opposition drive.

But, with them having to make tackle after tackle, something had to give, and this buckling led to two well-deserved Pentyrch tries that were both converted.

Barry came back with a well-worked try from new signing Ashton Allen, who drove through the entire Pentyrch team, bouncing off would-be tacklers.

Barry were then back again on the score sheet when one of the Scott twins crashed over in the corner following a team-effort drive. After four seasons the coach is still unable to distinguish between Einan and Tiernan Scott so apologies to the try scorer, but he does know that it was Tiernan who took the conversion that sadly hit the post and bounced back in field.

This Barry surge only gave reasons and encouragement for the opposition to surge forward and blitz Barry with another two converted tries, and the 28-12 scoreline was a just and fair reflection of proceedings.

Barry can nonetheless take heart in their effort with new signings, people unavailable, and people playing out of position. It was a plucky effort against a team who are noted for their strength and talent.