Barry's 14 men battle back in vain (From Barry And District News)

Barry's 14 men battle back in vain

BARRY 1st XV 25

RUTHIN 27

BARRY took on a very well-organised Ruthin side last Saturday in an encounter between the fourth and fifth placed sides in the league, and it turned into quite a classic.

Just like Wales against the All Blacks, however, the home side came up just short.

Barry scored first when centre Chris Cummings successfully slotted a penalty kick after five minutes.

It was another 25 minutes before the next score. After absorbing relentless Ruthin pressure through excellent defence, Barry were caught cold by a sucker switch penalty move from 10 metres out. The try went unconverted.

A quick response from Barry saw Cummings put over a great 40 metre penalty kick. Back stormed Ruthin though with a further unconverted try.

The closing move of the first half saw Barry regain the lead. A mid field break by Cummings on half way was driven on by the supporting forwards closer to the 22 metre area and the touchline.

Quickly distributed ball from hooker Andrew Prosser put fullback Tim Richards clear along the touchline and a final skip over a despairing tackle saw him dive over in the top corner.

A superb touchline conversion by Cummings put Barry 13-10 ahead at the half time whistle, but with the slope to face in the second period.

Ruthin were first to open the scoring within ten minutes of the restart, again catching Barry out with another close range quick tap penalty move along the line for a corner try.

To make matters worse a few missed tackles from the restart resulted in another unconverted try for the visitors.

After 20 minutes all looked lost as, from another tap penalty, Ruthin scored a converted try to lead 13-27. Worse, Barry were reduced to 14 men for a 10 minute sin binning offence.

During this 10 minute spell Barry seemed to increase their effort. Centre Dave Provis showed his strength and speed to good effect when from his own half he broke through midfield and after a 45 metre run drew the fullback to put supporting wing Lewis Williams over in the corner. Cummings converted.

Within minutes a lineout 10 metres from the Ruthin line resulted in Barry winning the ball and the forwards rumbled all the way to the line for Martin Tanner to score.

Back to full strength with 10 minutes to go, and two points to make up, Barry had victory in sight. It was not to be, but Barry can take pride in their fitness levels.

Saturday's trip to third placed Gilfach Goch gives Barry the opportunity to gain the scalp of a team above them in the league. The coach leaves the clubhouse at 12.30pm.

Next home game for the 1st XV is on Saturday, December 11, against Brecon. Check with the club manager for the 2nd XV and Youth XV fixtures this weekend.