Barry continue to be hit by injuries (From Barry And District News)

Barry continue to be hit by injuries

BARRY 1ST XV 7

TREORCHY 35

AFTER the optimism of the previous weekend's cup performance at Narberth, despite the loss, this league defeat was a major blow to players, coaches and home supporters.

The main worry is the unfortunate number of long-term injuries, especially to the forwards, exposing a real lack of strength in depth and a weakness in not having a second team.

Six potential first-choice forwards were unavailable for selection, the latest being hooker Brad Gee and flankers James Hadfield and Owain Brown.

Those who stepped in played manfully, but the recent lack of play in the back row for Dave Provis and Nick Rolfe was exposed in the early stages of the game.

A couple of early Treorchy scores gave the visitors plenty of confidence and Barry found themselves 17 points down within as many minutes.

Barry managed to claw themselves back into the game but, crucially, two clear scoring opportunities were squandered and denied them getting back to within only a few points.

To make matters worse, an interception from half way saw the deficit increase to 24 points come half time.

A further injury, this time to centre Chris Cummings, saw the release of Grantley Harris on to the pitch after the break.

Concerted Barry pressure on the Treorchy line soon after the restart gave renewed hope but a much-needed score failed to materialise.

Two drop goals and a try were conceded during the half before a consolation try, scored by Dave Provis, bursting through midfield, was converted by scrum-half James Madden in the closing moments of the game.

A difficult away trip this Saturday to Tonyrefail will test the club's resolve, but difficult times have occurred in the past and been overcome.

Hopefully, soon in the New Year, key players, injured at present, will be able to return.

The club Christmas draw took place on Saturday - many thanks to Andy Jamieson, club steward Bobby for his efforts, plus members and some players for selling their allocation.