Defeat is a major blow in bid to avoid relegation (From Barry And District News)

Defeat is a major blow in bid to avoid relegation

BARRY 15

TYLORSTOWN 29

ON A COLD, but sunny afternoon, Barry welcomed Tylorstown to the Reservoir Field, where, despite a spirited performance the home side suffered their 12th league defeat of the season.

With the visitors also languishing at the bottom of the division, this was obviously a game that both sides needed to win, but unfortunately it was Tylorstown who took the spoils to move six points above the local team.

After losing the toss - probably the defining point of the game - Barry kicked off with the strong wind at their backs and the slope in their favour.

Putting immediate pressure on the Valleys side Barry were awarded an early free kick which was taken quickly, putting centre James Hadfield over for the opening try.

With Barry winning most of the possession and by judicious line kicking from skipper Andrew Griffiths, Tylorstown spent most of the opening quarter penned in their own half.

A successful penalty goal by centre Chris Cummings, which gave Barry an 8-0 lead, stirred Tylorstown into action and from the restart a series of driving mauls led to a penalty 5 metres from the Barry line.

A quick tap by their scrum half, catching the Barry defence cold, resulted in a converted try for the visitors. After coming close on two or three occasions, Barry finally breached the visitors' defence when Griffiths forced his way over for a try which Cummings converted for a half time lead of 15 points to 7.

Unfortunately for Barry, outside half Griffiths, who had been outstanding in marshalling his team, received a facial injury as he grounded the ball and had to leave the field.

In the second half the visitors had the advantage of both wind and slope and they quickly reduced their deficit with an early try.

A dropped pass in the Barry half resulted in a further try, giving Tylorstown a lead of 17 points to 15.

After weathering this early onslaught Barry re-gathered and managed to apply pressure on the Tylorstown line, but despite all their efforts the players were unable to come away with any reward.

With 15 minutes remaining the Tylorstown pack took advantage of a tiring Barry eight to gain a pushover try and a 22-15 lead.

In the final minutes the home team, tried again and again to run their way out of defence in the hope of a last minute score but the strong wind had the final say when a long pass went adrift and was pounced on for another converted try leaving Tylorstown victors by 29 points to 15.

This defeat was a major blow to Barry's hopes of avoiding relegation and all the more disappointing as for the first 40 minutes they looked the better side and were deservedly leading at the break. Barry's second half performance was at times poor in comparison with what had gone before, with the disruption caused by the half-time departure of injured outside half and captain Andy Griffiths no doubt a major factor.

Barry have the chance of making amends this weekend when they entertain fellow strugglers Hirwaun, kick-off at 2.30pm.