Barry break losing streak

12:38pm Thursday 11th January 2007

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BARRY 20 CILFYNYDD 6 BARRY RFC's victory last Saturday - besides avenging September's defeat at Cilfynydd - brought an end to December's three-match losing streak and ensured the club retained third position in the division.

Following the heavy overnight rain, there was some doubt as to whether the game would be played but, as promised by the weatherman, the rain stopped early enough for the pitch to pass the referee's inspection.

Barry were able to field Gareth Osborne in the centre, thereby strengthening the midfield, whilst flanker James Hadfield showed his versatility by replacing an unwell Rhys Hardy at fullback.

Early in the first half, Cilfynydd opened their account with an early penalty goal, but this was soon negated when Barry's Chris Cummings kicked a penalty for offside.

As the game entered the second quarter, another exchange of penalties brought the teams level at six points apiece.

But at this point, Barry began to take control of the game and a further penalty, plus a nicely taken drop goal by Cummings, put Barry into the lead by 12 points to 6 at the break.

During the second half, with the pack dominating the set pieces and the backs doing their best to open the game up, Barry continually stretched their visitors' defence until a rolling maul from a lineout enabled Barry's No 8 Jason Evans to touch down for an unconverted try.

Finally, Cummings brought his points tally to 15 with a long range drop-goal which gave his side a hard earned victory by 20 points to 6.

The downside of this victory were the complaints - justifiably raised by both the opposition and the referee - at the amount of dog faeces found on the playing area of two of the pitches available for this game.

It's a sad indictment for both the town and some dog owners in particular as there are several dog poo bins available in which to deposit any mess.

This Saturday Barry travel to Porth with the coach leaving the club at 12.30pm.

The 2nd XV are due to play Cowbridge while the youth team meet Fairwater - both games at home with 2.30 pm kick-offs.