Barry nearly snatch win (From Barry And District News)

Barry nearly snatch win

GILFACH GOCH 18 BARRY 14

BARRY were only able to travel with a fit squad of 17 players thanks to reserves Tom Griffiths and Jason Newlands making themselves available.

A brave performance was put up against opponents who are third in the league table.

The corresponding fixture early in the season saw a home 25-14 victory, but a number of injuries to key players since had gradually taken its toll.

After absorbing early pressure Barry took the lead when singer Dave Provis latched on to a loose ball just outside his own ten-metre line, and out-sprinted the chasing defenders to score under the posts and give Andy Griffiths a simple conversion.

The seven-point lead was down to two within minutes as intricate Gilfach moves, combined with slack Barry tackling, led to a score near the posts.

Provis"s run up deprived them of a simple conversion.

The lead was conceded within ten minutes when a penalty for hands in the ruck was punished.

With the big Gilfach pack pressurising, a further penalty opened up a four-point gap.

The Barry pack gradually came to terms with the heavyweight opposition eight. The front row of James Hollister, Brad Gee and John Haskell doggedly stuck it out in the scrums with hooker Gee also prominent in loose play.

Second row John Campbell as main lineout jumper won and stole excellent ball with his partner, the experienced Martin Tanner effective as main ball carrier.

Flankers Hywel Jones and Lewis Williams covered and tackled over every inch of heavy ground along with No 8 Jason Evans, who was always at the heart of the action.

It was rather unfortunate then, that just before half-time a threequarter line error on trying to run the ball out of their 22-metre area, gifted seven points under the posts to the home side, and a turn around score of 18-7.

A determined start to the second half saw Jason Evans cross in the corner only for it to be disallowed for blocking.

Scrum half John Dimond continually urged his forwards on, whether in defence or attack, and fly half Andy Griffiths put some astute touchline finders in to gain good field position.

James Maddon (usually a scrum half) was in tandem with Grantley Harris as centres, and although excellent in defence, understandably found difficulty in reading each other"s attacking intentions.

Along with insufficient front row cover, lack of a settled centre combination has been Barry"s achilles heel in attack this season.

Improvements in midfield eventually came as an understanding developed and stand-in fullback Rhydian Scott was brought into the line more to create opportunities for wingers Provis and Joel McCann, who showed his potential with an impressive jinking run in the closing stages.

Lock Campbell had to retire injured and was replaced by Tom Griffiths for the final 15 minutes in what was to prove a nerve-wracking finale.

Into the start of injury time John Dimond was on the end of another forward drive to force himself over the try line.

The conversion by Griffiths brought Barry within four points but with time running out.

From the restart Barry secured possession and having to run, Griffiths made a great individual midfield break up to half way.

With defenders converging and winger Provis indicating for a kick to the corner the chase was on for a tantalising few seconds and a score looked possible until the ball rolled closer to the covering fullback than the approaching Provis.

The fullback tapped down, the referee blew for full time and Gilfach were relieved that Barry hadn"t snatched victory right at the death.

This performance, along with that against league leaders Treherbert the previous week, despite defeat, should see Barry in good stead as they take on the more average mid-table sides.

The same work rate ethic will need to be applied along with improvement of fewer wayward, gift kicks to the opposition.

The basics of take, give and support the ball will be essential. Hopefully this can be fulfilled this Saturday, January 28, as near neighbours Pentyrch visit the Reservoir Field for a 2.30pm kick off.