Barry finally triumph in postponed match (From Barry And District News)

Barry finally triumph in postponed match

BARRY 13 PONTYCYMMER 5

THE first of Barry's three re-arranged league fixtures was played on Wednesday of last week when they met Pontycymmer in a game that had originally been scheduled for last September.

The Garw Valley side, despite having had a long run in the WRU Konica Cup competition, have had a disappointing league season and are currently vying with Pentyrch to escape the drop into Division 4.

On a sunny but chilly evening, Barry had too much power for the visitors and dominated possession and territory throughout the match and, as expected, gained their 12th league victory of the season.

However, in all fairness, the Pontycymmer defence showed great commitment throughout the game, managing to thwart a number of Barry attacks.

After two early missed penalty attempts, Barry's flanker Jason Evans took advantage of an excellent pass from No 8 Martin Tanner, to open his side's account when he crossed for a corner try.

Immediately before the interval, centre Grantley Harris made a determined run on the blind side of a scrum to score in the same corner for a 10-point lead.

During the second half a solitary successful penalty kick from outside half Rhidian Scott was the only further Barry score, while Pontycymmer were rewarded for a gutsy performance with a consolation try.

The return fixture on May 14, the last of the season, could be an interesting encounter if Pontycymmer need a victory to avoid relegation.

BARRY 22 GILFACH GOCH 5

Barry's performance during this match was similar to the mid-week fixture against Pontycymmer with the Barry eight dominating play in both tight and loose, but once again the forwards' work failed to generate any tries until the final minutes.

From the outset the home side ran the ball at the opposition, and centre Andrew Buckland and scrum half Gerwyn Pugh both came close to scoring. It was left to outside half Rhidian Scott to establish a half time lead of 9-0 with three successful penalty kicks.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Barry XV encamped in the visitors' half, but still unable to convert territory and possession into tries.

It was left to Scott's trusty boot to increase the Barry lead to 15 points when he kicked two penalty goals.

With the game meandering to a close and Barry with a comfortable lead, Gilfach put in one final effort and crossed in the corner for the game's first try. From the restart Barry's lock Mathew Campbell latched on to a loose ball and galloped 40 metres for a try that Scott dutifully converted to seal victory by 22-5.

Barry RFC would like to thank club members Phillip Walters and Bronwen Ware for providing Saturday's match ball.

The victories over Pontycymmer and Gilfach Goch put Barry into fifth place in the Division.

This Saturday Barry travel to Brecon with the coach leaving the clubhouse at 12.15pm. On Wednesday, May 4 at 6.30pm Barry entertain Mountain Ash, who require only one more point to ensure promotion into the 2nd Division East.