Tries: Dix

Cons: E Scott

BARRY 2nd XV ended their season as they travelled to Pentyrch on Thursday night to face Cardiff Metropolitan University in the East District Cup final.

With the daunting task of facing such a quality side, who have won the cup in the past seven years and have won every single game this season, coach Rhidian Scott and manager Ken Chow brought back Tony Heard in the front row, Einan Scott at outside half, and Glynn Jones in the pack. Luke Bounds, fresh from his try scoring return on the weekend, was included on the bench.

Barry did not get off to a great start, as the holders scored from their first attack of the game, a simple move in midfield piercing the green-and-whites defence to score under the posts.

Roared on by a large travelling support, Barry rallied themselves and a series of forward drives saw Cardiff Met fall foul of the referee’s whistle, but Einan Scott was unable to kick the three points from a difficult angle.

Cardiff Met then showed their class when their number 10 executed a perfect cross-field kick to see their winger collect before setting up a try in the corner.

More tries came and went as the holders justified their reputation, but at Barry rallied on, aided by some superb tackling by Tiernan Scott, Glynn Jones and John Miles.

The loudest cheer of the day came late in the first half when a superb break from Einan Scott saw him put Ethan Dix in to score a memorable try. Scott himself added the extras.

Now showing more confidence, Barry tried to take the game to Cardiff Met and more aggressive approach play by the forwards and backs alike saw Joel Williams chip ahead, Dix chasing, but narrowly missing out on touching down in the corner.

Barry brought on fresh legs after the interval in an attempt to live with the cup holders’ pace and finesse, and there were good contributions in defence by Mepham, Hewitson and Bounds.

Ultimately however, a side of Cardiff Met’s quality did find gaps in the tiring Barry defence and more tries came and went, especially late on when the green-and-whites were down to fourteen men following the sin binning of Jason Thomas.

It was the predicted result – a handsome win by the seven-time winners, but Barry can leave the pitch with their head held high as they fronted up to quality opposition and showed superb attitude and commitment throughout the 80 minutes.

The management would like to thank all the players and supporters who made the journey up to create such a rousing atmosphere. The squad will hope to take the cup final memories onwards towards next season.

Team: T Scott; Adams, D Williams, Dix, Hamonda; E Scott, J Williams; Hosking, Vidal, Heard; G Jones, Case; L Jones, Miles, Rolfe.

Replacements: Thomas, McTavish, Goodfellow, Hewitson, Mepham, Bounds, Flynn.

Man-of-the-match: Case.