BARRY 2nd XV 24-8 St Peters 2nd XV

Tries: Perry (2), Knapman, Evans

Cons: Corrigan (2)

Barry 2nd XV opened their league season with St Peters their visitors.

Coach Rhidian Scott handed a debut to Welsh sprinter Rhys Knapman on the wing, and there were also recalls for Maltese international John Dimond at scrum-half, and Jason Evans and Sebastian Vidal on the replacements bench.

Under clear blue summer skies, Barry began the game expecting to be dictating the tempo, but instead found themselves behind on virtually the first play of the game. A clearing kick was charged down by the chasing St Peters backline, and the result was an unconverted try.

The side clearly showed signs of rustiness that was to be expected in their first game of the season, and it was an unfamiliar back-line with players being drafted in from the 3rd XV at the last minute. Tomos Perry and David Williams did strike a good partnership in midfield, but too often moves broke down in promising areas and the chance butchered.

At half time Scott made ruthless changes and the second half saw a much better display by the 2nd XV. Their pressure finally told as St Peters’ defence relented, and tries were scored by Perry (twice), Knapman and the substitute Evans. Corrigan was able to convert two out of four, and the side earned a precious bonus point win at the first time of asking.

The 2nd XV will hope to build on this success in their next game. They have a weekend off as they receive a bye in the preliminary round of the East District Cup (after their heroics in reaching the final last season), and will return to league action at home to Cardiff Quins on September 20.

Team: Hamonda; Knapman, Perry, Williams, M Jones; Corrigan, Dimond; Thomas, Sion Vidal, Lundy; McTavish, Flynn; L Jones ©, Case, Giddings

Replacements: Corne, Evans, Seb Vidal

Man-of-the-match: Perry