Barry U12s enjoy a seven-try spree (From Barry And District News)

Barry U12s enjoy a seven-try spree

A FULLY fit and prepared Barry RFC Under 12s put on a try spree for the home supporters against visiting Llant-wit Major.

The visitors, who are re-building and fielding players who are new to the game, should be applauded for their tenacity and dogged spirit.

But it was not enough to stop Barry, who spun the ball at every opportunity.

Missed tackles enabled the home side to take advantage of the space offered them and they punished the opposition heavily. Outside half Tom Perry scored seven tries and Rhidian Mepham and Tiernan Scott crossed for one apiece.

Last weekend saw an under-strength Lions entertain Caldicot, who were an unknown quantity.

Within minutes their quality was revealed when they crossed Barry's line, only to be denied when their player ran over the dead ball whitewash, and this was to cost them dearly.

This wake-up call spurred the Barry side on in their driving and rucking and they produced quick ball for the backs.

With a sudden change in fortunes, the visitors were blitzed with a hat-trick of tries resulting from the powerful running of Tom Perry, who this season converting from number eight to outside half has certainly added options to the Barry half back play.

Barry had further disruption when, through injury, Tom Perry and Charlotte Wally failed to come out for the second half.

The period saw a Caldicot revival, with the visitors quickly replying through winger Ben Childs for a well-deserved try that was a result of passing out of tackles and keeping play driving.

Caldicot, although now more direct through their forwards, did not have it all their own way; fierce tackling by the Lions won good turnover ball that took them into the scoring zone, only to come away denied.

Under pressure in their 22, Barry won turnover ball and chose to kick it long, but the ball skewed 90 degrees across the pitch into the hands of Ben Childs waiting out all alone on his wing and he cantered in for his second.

With minutes left on the clock, Barry were pinned on their line, and only fierce defence kept their narrow lead, rebuffing wave after wave of Caldicot phases.

Over-zealous handling in the ruck led to Barry being penalised five yards out and the exhausted defence finally succumbed to the onslaught when Caldicot's number eight was driven over for their third try.

Both teams were unsuccessful with their conversions and the game ended in an honourable 15-15 draw.

The Lions would like to take this opportunity to thank GTR Davies for his generous sponsorship. Graham, a former first team player in years gone by, avidly follows the fortunes of the Barry Under 12s, and even has the local news sent to him in London. The team wishes him a speedy recovery following his recent fall.

This weekend the team is away to St Peters, meet at clubhouse 10am.