Playing into wind and up slope focuses effort (From Barry And District News)

Playing into wind and up slope focuses effort

BARRY 1ST XV 6 PTS TONYREFAIL 3 PTS

THE DIRE weather meant that Barry were one of only three teams in the division able to fulfil their fixtures, and it soon became obvious that because of the conditions it was going to be a forward-based game.

Barry had a strong pack,with reliable regulars Martin Tanner, Lewis Williams and Richard Thomas having to make do as replacements.

The experience of Tony Bumford and Andrew Prosser, combined with the youthful James Hollister, made up the front row.

The returning Lyndon James, with Matthew Campbell, were the lineout-stealing second row combination. The ageless David Griffith and the tireless Jason Evans, with the youthful but quickly developing Hywel Jones were the impressive back row trio.

Scrum half James Maddon returned from injury lay-off to join outside-half Rhydian Scott. The ever-improving centre partnership of captain Andrew Griffiths and Ben Pritchard continued to impress.

Wingers Provis and O'Sullivan had limited attacking opportunities, but along with full-back Joe McCann were reliable in defence.

A dynamic opening 20-minute period against the infamous slope and into the driving wind saw Barry gain the lead through a snap drop goal opportunity from Scott.

They then came more into the game and it was the Barry defence that had to withstand the numerous attempts to cross their try line.

One successful penalty kick to Tonyrefail during the period of intense pressure saw it all square at the break at 3-3.

As so often occurs, the side with the wind and slope advantage eased up, while the team up against it increased their work ethic and a midfield stalemate occurred.

This was the case, with the exception of Scott succeeding with a penalty and the Tonyrefail full-back failing with his effort in the last few minutes. This denied them a repeat of last season's last-minute draw and provided Barry with their fourth close-run victory in the league to see them rise into the top half of the table and claim seventh position.

There are no 1st XV fixtures for a fortnight because of the early exit from the WRU Cup and the Wales v South Africa international.

Next 1st XV league fixture is on November 13, against Penygraig. Pitch conditions permitting, however, the 2nd XV are due to play this Saturday, in a league fixture at home to St Joseph's at the Reservoir Field, ko 2.30pm.