"I'M COMING THROUGH" (From Barry And District News)

"I'M COMING THROUGH"

BARRY 20 PENTYRCH 8

A DESERVED victory over Pentyrch last Saturday brought to an end Barry"s six-match losing run, and was just reward for the commitment that the team has shown in the last three games.

On a very cold but bright afternoon, Barry opened with a strong easterly wind at their backs and took some time to settle, meandering between the two 22-metre lines during the first quarter.

The stalemate was broken when captain and outside half Andrew Griffiths cut through the home defence for a superbly taken individual try. Centre Chris Cummings converted for a seven-point lead.

After a break-down in a Barry attack, Pentyrch responded with a smartly taken try.

Barry"s penchant for choosing to run the ball instead of using the wind advantage to gain territory was putting the slender two point lead at risk and causing concern among the Barry supporters.

The lead was finally increased when a break by full-back Dave Provis and a kick ahead by Griffiths allowed centre Andrew Buckland to make ground, before putting flanker James Hadfield over for an unconverted try and a 12-5 half-time advantage.

The second half saw Barry continuing to move the ball, only to see their attacks thwarted by cold fingers and a strong Pentyrch defence.

The pressure led to an unconverted try after another Griffiths break, supported by the back row, with Hadfield putting over in the corner.

A penalty goal by the visitors led to a period of intense pressure on the home side"s line as Pentyrch strove to reduce the nine-point lead, but with the home players responding with resolute tackling, they were able to keep the line intact.

A penalty goal by Cummings finally made the game safe and gave his side a well-earned victory by 20 points to 8.

With the Six Nations starting this weekend, Barry"s next fixture is February 11 at Aberdare. The next home game is on February 18 when Ynysybwl will visit.