IT is a credit to any club that they field three senior men’s teams on a Saturday. Thus to Barry 3rds credit they trooped out to face a more experienced Dinas 2nds Team at the Reservoir Fields.

Barry’s forwards ably assisted by the accurate kicking of Bailey had the best of the first five minutes of play. With powerful running by Avaient Myers, Templeman, L Jones (C) and the back row of, Morris and Cleland they pushed Dinas back into their 22. After an unsuccessful penalty effort, Forrester duly rewarded the forwards efforts by converting the next chance to put the hosts 3-0 up. Whether this was a wakeup call for the visitors or the hosts forgetting where they were able to compete. The next 20 minutes saw Dinas utilise their backs to exploit overlap after overlap to score four tries in quick succession to open a considerable lead.

With a few harsh words the Barry forwards came back into the game, unfortunately as we looked to prevent the overlaps, we were too stretched in the middle and with some light weighted efforts at tackling (from forwards and backs) the visitors scored another couple of tries and conversions. The older man/author and several others were finding the pace of the game too fast. Half time came with the score 3- 40 odd to the visitors. Joffrey Williams was just itching to get on to reunite the older second row partnership, but will have to wait a few more weeks and in a slightly slower game.

Thomas came on five minutes into the second half with fresh legs and Barry forwards again showed what they could do with ball in hand. Dinas didn’t abate from their attacking intent and brought on fresh legs. They were able to score tries at regular intervals despite Barry trying their best. With the score mounting up quickly and the sun blazing down, Barry had one more late sub to put on. The scene was set for Clements to change the game and in a way he did. He provided much needed fresh impetus and go forward ball, making Dinas think. With the clock ticking down Barry had the last laugh/score after several phases ended up with Rees scoring in the right corner. Dinas were relieved to hear the final whistle as Barry were on a roll.

In true 3rds rugby manner whoever scores the last try wins alas, we had taken a beating but this is no ordinary team, we retired to the bar to celebrate another game of rugby. On another positive note, not one head went down in a mainly one sided game. They will get more practice with the next fixture away to Fairwater 2nds this Saturday, October 11. The management would like to thank the supporters and all 18 players who donned the shirt. As the song says ‘Things can only get better’ and undoubtedly they will with this team's spirit.