Barry sunk by Nelson barrage (From Barry And District News)

Barry sunk by Nelson barrage

NELSON 15

BARRY 1ST XV 13

IN the corresponding home fixture Barry won a close contest with the very last kick of the game to snatch victory.

But in this encounter it was Nelson who won with a decisive try in the closing moments.

Following a three week layoff because of the Six Nations, Barry were very slow to get into the game and take advantage of the wind on their backs.

A number of key positional absentees meant that Barry had players in unaccustomed positions, and despite their best individual efforts to settle in quickly it did not help the fluidity of the team.

They were unable to get hold of the ball in the opening ten minutes and the constant pressure eventually led to Nelson scoring an unconverted try, despite valiant defence.

The Barry lineout was not functioning at its best and possession was lost in the few attacking positions.

An awesome 50 yard drive by the forwards also came to nothing.

It was not until the 25th minute that Barry scored, after an excellent kick and chase by wing Dave Provis led to the home defender infringing, and outside half Chris Cummings shot over the penalty kick.

Soon afterwards Nelson scored their second try out wide after Barry had committed the cardinal sin of not using the wind effectively to clear their line from a scrum in the 22 metre area. Instead they tried to run the ball out and there was a turnover.

Barry turned round 10-3 down.

In what turned into quite a brutal encounter, Barry showed great discipline in allowing the referee to issue yellow cards to the home perpetrators.

A long pass out from centre Andy Griffiths found D Provis and he beat four men with a bustling 30 metre run to score close to the posts for Cummings to convert and level the scores.

With only minutes remaining, scrum half Rhydian Scott took over kicking duties from the injured and departed Cummings to slot over a penalty.

Once again Barry failed to clear from their 22 metre area and Nelson pinched another corner try to clinch victory.

Only the France v Wales match lies between the next league encounter against unbeaten Rhydyfelin at home on Saturday, March 5, kick-off 2.30pm.

With a fully fit squad to select from, an upset could be achieved, and it should be worth a visit to the Reservoir Fields.

(BLOB) The Barry committee, players and supporters of all team age groups wish to thank stewardess Sue Currie for her unbounded enthusiasm and efforts over the last five years of her reign as she heads for semi-retirement. Give her your final show of support with a good turnout at the clubhouse for the France v Wales game this Saturday afternoon.