Barry Ladies RFC 14 Gwernyfed Ladies 10 (From Barry And District News)

Barry Ladies RFC 14 Gwernyfed Ladies 10

12:10pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

BARRY LADIES RFC 14 GWERNYFED LADIES 10

ON Sunday, in freezing conditions, the Barry Ladies (‘The Bombettes’) rugby team bossed the visitors in a brutal game.

From the outset, the game was fast paced, with determined tackling and aggression on both sides.

Gwernyfed, however, seemed to have the upper hand as Barry repeatedly made errors through panicked ball handling and rushed decisions.

A serious injury to Barry player Evans, following a fantastic run down the wing, led to a 40-minute delay, but gave the home side the opportunity to focus and reflect on their game plan.

When the game finally restarted, with Boffy in for Evans, Barry showed better form and determination.

This was evident by the fantastic team work through the phases which repeatedly drove Gwernyfed back into their own half. However, the visitors were just as determined and made a few breaks through the home defence, leaving Hill injured following a try-saving tackle. Peters came on as a replacement but Gwernyfed’s determination paid off and they finally broke through and secured a try before half time.

With Horne coming on in the second half to replace Phillips, the game took a turn in the right direction for Barry, with the home side being rewarded with a try under the posts by Cole.

Richards converting to put Barry in the lead.

This was the turning point for the home side as they continued to attack. With some fantastic runs by Jones, Cahill, Horne, Richards, Williams and Garner Joel, Barry maintained the pressure to gain ground ready for the back trio of Rees, K Jones and Britton to run through and set up a second try courtesy of skipper K Jones.

Richards showed her kicking abilities by securing the conversion despite an awkward angle and distance.

Gwernyfed, despite numerous injuries, continued to pile on the pressure and a fast run down the wing secured them another unconverted try. Barry continued to play as a team and, easily winning the scrums, kept Gwernyfed at bay.

Mentions to Peters, whose quick legs kept the ball in Gwernyfed’s half on a number of occasions, Potter, for a cracking tackle near the end of play, and Bannister, whose quick ball from the breakdown kept Barry playing fast paced rugby.

Woman of the match: Barry chose Stacey Cole; Gwernyfed chose Kim Jones.

Special thanks to Rachel Baron Cahill for the aftermatch food.

Barry: Richards, Phillips, Cahill, Yapp, Garner-Joel, Evans, Williams, Cole, Bannister, Rees, O’Neill, Kim Jones (capt), Britton, Major, Hill, Horne, K Jones, Boffy, Potter, Cushen and B Jones.