Overnight stay was the only good bit of trip (From Barry And District News)

Overnight stay was the only good bit of trip

RUTHIN 40 BARRY 1ST XV 3

FOR those able to travel to North Wales for this league fixture, the result of the match was obviously less than satisfactory.

However, the benefit of an overnight stop in Wrexham was enjoyed by all.

On the return journey, the coach got no further than Oswestry before breakdown and inevitable delay.

So a four-hour journey up took twice as long coming back, and with the additional time spent in local hostelries, remaining funds rapidly diminished.

The journey from Barry was luckily less eventful.

A reduced playing party saw Barry able to use only a squad of 15 players, due to the "no front rows sub" rule, meaning no substitutes at all can be used.

Barry were at an immediate tactical disadvantage.

As well as a number of 2nd XV players being required to play, some 1st XV players also needed to play in unaccustomed positions.

Bearing these facts in mind and that Ruthin scored three of their tries in the last ten minutes on an increasingly heavy pitch, those players involved cannot be faulted for effort and commitment against a side placed third in the division.

The Barry score came from a Rhydian Scott drop goal in the first half, at the end of which the score stood at 13-3 with Barry still well in the game.

The most disappointing aspect of both halves was that despite often being in the home 22, and on occasions only inches from the line, Barry could not turn pressure into points.

If they can improve in this area, Barry could yet finish their league season in style.

Those who played in the previous Monday evening's cup victory over Penarth in the East District semi-final also felt the efforts of that performance.

The date for the final against either Fairwater or Old Illtydians will be announced in due course.

This Saturday, there will be another tough league encounter against Gilfach Goch at the Reservoir Fields, kick-off 2.30pm, when a good crowd of supporters will be welcome as the season draws to a close by May 14. Contact the clubhouse for details of rearranged midweek matches.