Barry self-destruct as valley opponents settle an old score (From Barry And District News)

Barry self-destruct as valley opponents settle an old score

BARRY 8 - TYLORSTOWN 15

TYLORSTOWN gained full revenge for January's defeat at Penrhys Park with victory over Barry 15-8 at the Reservoir Field.

This result was the local side's fourth consecutive defeat, but fortunately for Barry the other league results were in their favour, allowing them to remain in fifth spot.

On a warm but breezy afternoon, Tylorstown put Barry under pressure from the kick off and outside half Pike gave them an early lead with a penalty. Retaining the ball from the restart, the visitors camped in the Barry half until the second quarter when some slick passing put their right wing Thomas over for an unconverted try.

This eight-point deficit finally stirred Barry into action and strong runs by Provis and Pritchard threatened the Tylorstown line, but unfortunately the visitors' defence prevented Barry from scoring.

The second half began with another Tylorstown try after their outside-half's speculative kick ahead was not gathered by the home defence, allowing him to score a converted try.

A Rhidian Scott penalty finally put Barry on the score sheet at 3-15 down.

Barry tried to up the tempo but seemed to press the self-destruct button with some sloppy handling, the taking of wrong options and on occasions the missing of first time tackles combining to thwart any progress.

As time was running out, and after a series of pick up and drives by the pack, second row Martin Tanner forced his way over the try line for an unconverted try and a final score of 8-15 in Tylorstown's favour.

This result was a great disappointment to the Barry side as it was a game they should have won. But the disjointed league programme (four games in nine Saturdays) caused by the Six Nations, continues to have an adverse effect on the team's confidence and performance.

The club would like to thank Andrew Humphreys, of Robertsons Solicitors, for sponsoring the match, a gesture appreciated by all.

* This Saturday Barry travel to Penygraig with the coach leaving the club at 12.30pm. On Monday, April 11, Barry meet Penarth in the semi-final of the SA Brain East District Cup at Pentyrch RFC, kick-off time to be confirmed.