Old Penarthians RFC 2nd XV 0 Barry RFC 2nd XV 38 (From Barry And District News)

Old Penarthians RFC 2nd XV 0 Barry RFC 2nd XV 38

11:20am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

OLD PENARTHIANS RFC 2nd XV 0 BARRY RFC 2nd XV 38

AFTER a long lay-off due to the weather and the Six Nations, the Barry Rugby Club 2nd XV returned to action with a local derby away at Old Penarthians.

The away side were looking to avenge their defeat by the same side three months ago, and were able to recall Joe McCann at fly-half and Jack Giddings into the back row, with veteran Lee David on the bench.

Barry started the game well as their pack took control in the scrum, forcing numerous turnovers.

With advantages in territory and possession, it was down to Adam Lee to open the scoring, slotting over a penalty from close in.

With the away side continuing to dominate, it was no surprise when they scored again.

A quick penalty by scrum-half Joel Williams found Ben Taylor out wide, and he sprinted through to score. Lee added the extras.

Old Pens were forced to defend in their own 22, with the Barry attack rampant.

Their valiant efforts, however, were not enough as the away backs combined once again to send Grantley Harris through to score near the posts. The conversion was a formality.

Just when the game looked to be turning into a rout, lethargy and complacency suddenly overtook the away side as the game became littered with handling errors, wrong decisions and white line fever.

There were no further scores before the interval as the match ceased to become a spectacle.

Coach Rhidian Scott voiced his frustration at half time, but the Barry effort continued to be lethargic. The game, thenceforth, meandered on, with countless scrums, line-outs and penalties which suited the home side.

Barry finally snapped out of their daze when Scott made three changes, bringing on Lundy, David and Case off the replacement bench.

It made an almost instant impact as a McCann chip was chased down well by the backs, and it was substitute Kyle Case on hand to profit from the pressure applied to score his team’s third try.

Lee was successful with the conversion.

Sensing the bonus point was there for the taking, Barry surged forward in the last quarter of the game against tired Old Penarthians’ legs.

David Williams made another burst from his own half, only to be tackled metres short of the line.

The support play was excellent, however, and it was down to another replacement, David, to power through to score the bonus try. Lee added the extras.

With the bonus point in the bag, Barry began to play more expansively, and it was down to Alex Evans to round off a good personal performance as he cut in through from deep to score a good team try.

Joel Williams’ successful conversion proved to be the last kick of the game.

Next league game is away at Rhiwbina on March 23.

Barry: Lee; Evans, Harris, D Williams, Taylor; J Williams, McCann; Elsworth, Hosking, Heard; McTavish, Flynn; Giddings, L Jones and Rolfe (c).

Replacements: Lundy, Case, David, M Jones. Man-of-thematch: Evans.