Barry & District News - the first place to look for news in Barry and across the Vale of Glamorgan

Players: Stand up and be counted

ABERDARE 43

BARRY 7

FOR THE third time this season Barry were able to raise only a 15 man squad for an away fixture that entailed travelling along the A470 - Ferndale in October, Cefn Coed in November and last Saturday at Aberdare.

With the host side lying second in the division Barry were already facing a difficult match but with seven first team players unavailable, especially six of them backs, the outlook was even more daunting.

Within five minutes of the kick-off Aberdare took the lead with an unconverted try which was soon followed with another for an early 10 point lead.

This score was a wake up call for Barry who rallied and, with the pack giving its all, began to compete at the set pieces and the breakdown, and to put some pressure the Rhondda side.

However, just before the break, some sloppy tackling allowed the Aberdare hooker a free run to the line for a converted try.

The second-half saw Aberdare quickly increase their lead with two quick tries, and although the Barry team tried to run as much ball as possible tiring legs and minor injuries enabled the hosts to run in a further two tries.

However, a last minute break caught Aberdare napping when James Hadfield, after taking full advantage of a neat pass from Owain Brown, crossed for a try which he converted for 7 well earned points and some reward for a very hard afternoon's endeavour.

Praise must go to all players who turned up for the afternoon, especially coach Darren Gibbon, who played at scrum-half thereby ensuring that at least his side had 15 players on the field! Considering that on the previous weekend Barry were able to field two sides it is baffling as to why, with over 100 players registered to play senior rugby, it is left to a small group of regulars to give their all and take some pride in representing their club.

With both 1st and 2nd XVs involved in matches for the remainder of April it is important that as many players as possible contact Stuart Lock to make themselves available.

This Saturday Barry travel to Cardiff HSOB whilst the 2nd XV is scheduled to play Cowbridge at home. Both games kick-off at 2.30pm.

7:41am Thursday 17th April 2008

Email this

Newsquest
Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2008 Newsquest Media Group A Gannett Company
This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network