BARRY ladies welcomed Maesteg for the latest crunch game between the two sides. It was noticeable that the preparation for the game was more structured. This enabled Barry to start positively and take the game to the visitors. It was evident that there was no love lost with both sides putting in big hits. With the Barry forwards forcing Celtic backwards, the ball fell loose. Maesteg countered and used their speedy backs to out flank the home defence to score the first points.

In previous recent fixtures Barry’s heads would have gone down, but not during this match. There was renewed confidence and utilising the home slope Barry started turning the screw. After several phases of play the backs manufactured a massive overlap, which Jones (captain) overlooked and managed to power over for the equalising score.

The game was then nip and tuck with Barry having to defend heroically. The odd wayward kick caused problems and Maesteg managed to take the lead again with their backs.

Barry came back into the game when centre Cashman crashed over, after a brilliant link up play from forwards and backs alike. This time crucially the conversion was kicked and Barry took the lead.

The halftime score was 12-10.

With advice from the coaching staff in their ears, Barry were not about to let Maesteg back into the game. The home team controlled the majority of the second half and showed glimpses of the hard work that has been carried out on the training pitch.

With the Barry forwards setting the platform in the scrums and line outs, the backs were able to utilise the wide spaces. From one such move the ball came out to Potter who took a wide arch and sprinted past the desperate Maesteg defence, touching down behind the posts. The conversion was easily slotted by Richards.

Maesteg heads appeared to go down and the home side smelt the sweet smell of revenge and searched for the try bonus point. This was achieved by Jones who legally snuck through a gaping hole in the Maesteg defence from a driving maul. She was able to out sprint the cover defence and score underneath the posts. The conversion kicked made the score 26-10.

Maesteg came back into the fore and were desperate to add to their points tally. Barry was equally determined to prevent this. This was demonstrated aptly by Cashman who charged into a Maesteg centre, forcing the knock on with the try line metres away. O’Neill then picked up the loose ball and sprinted off. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations. Final score was 26-10. The management team could not single out one person for WOM, but gave the whole team as recognition for the gutsy committed team effort display. Maesteg chose Wally for WOM

Team: O’Neil, Wally, Jones, Cashman, Banister, Williams, Shanahan, Yapp, Potter, S Williams, Coleman, Reed, Richards, Horne, Dix. Super subs Rees and Phillips.

Management and coaches would like to say a massive well done for the effort and determination of those who have played in the last few games. This game is a turning point in their season. Thanks for all the support from the club and supporters. Club spokesman said “We finally found the belief in ourselves and we continue to improve as a club.”

On behalf of all the team and management they would like to thank all the sponsors this season that helped to provide their brand new kit, Gary Watson, Three Horse Shoes, Gem, Attractive Driveways, PDS Survey Solutions, Class of 58 and Frank Grieg for our BOOM.

Bombettes next fixture will be away to Croesy on Sunday, November 16.

Bombettes are always welcoming new players, training days are on Tuesdays from 8pm until 9pm at Barry Rugby Club and Thursdays from 7pm until 8pm at Bryn Hafren school. Any information or questions please contact team manager Rachel Baron 07889742153.