Good effort against promoted side (From Barry And District News)

Good effort against promoted side

BARRY 19 PTS - MOUNTAIN ASH 41 PTS

ALTHOUGH last Wednes-day"s encounter saw Barry suffer another heavy defeat - their second in a row - the local players gave a much-improved performance against second-placed Mountain Ash, who were already promoted to Division 2 East.

Despite giving Mountain Ash an early penalty that resulted in a three-point lead, Barry contained the visitors and exerted periods of pressure on the Old Firm"s line.

As the game reached the 20 minute mark another penalty, followed by a well-executed try, put the visitors further ahead.

Another converted try just before the break made the half-time score 20-0.

The second half opened with Mountain Ash scoring two tries within the first 20 minutes, and with most of the half remaining, a massive deficit loomed.

Barry responded with renewed effort and the team managed to put together some good phases that frequently stretched the Mount"s defence.

This effort was finally rewarded when scrum half Gerwyn Pugh and flanker Owain Brown combined to put winger Dominic Busittil over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Another Barry score soon followed, when left winger Ben Pritchard showed his pace with a 60-metre kick and chase which allowed him to cross for a try, which Chris Cummings converted.

Any thoughts of a recovery were soon put to rest when a sniping run by the visitors" scrum half resulted in his side"s fifth converted try. Barry kept hammering away in their opponents" half and scored their third try when Cummings crossed close to the posts and added the conversion to make the final score 41-19.

This Saturday, Barry travel to Pontycymmer for the last league game of the season, with the coach leaving the club at 12.30pm.

The club"s Annual Players" Dinner will be held on Friday, June 24, at the Mount Sorrel Hotel - more information from club secretary Dai James on 01446 736436.