IN WHAT was probably their worst performance of the season, Barry RFC 1sts lost their game at Abercynon by 23 points to 21 although it took a late penalty by the home side to get there.

From the kick off it was Barry who took the initiative and for the opening minutes applied pressure on the home defence with a series of attacks which culminated with a try for H Jones following a clever chip ahead from Barros which wrong-footed the home defence which was recycled for the score which Scott converted.

Barry then proceeded to let Abercynon into the game in a period where they lost their structure with basic errors and over elaboration. The home side weren't slow in taking advantage of this and camped in the Barry 22 with a series of scrums and driving lineouts which Barry defended well but were forced into conceding a third penalty which opened the Abercynon account.

At this stage, whilst not at their best, Barry continued to attack when possible but their ball control was letting them down and opportunities were wasted as half-time neared.

Barry were earning the wrath of the referee continually conceding penalties giving territorial advantage and possession away, and from one such situation Abercynon took the lead on half-time.

A chip ahead was caught and quickly recycled with the Barry defence in disarray to leave space out wide for the try which was well converted to leave Abercynon ahead 10-7 at the interval.

With their tails up the home side began the second half spreading the ball wide at every opportunity and Barry were struggling for answers and after conceding yet another penalty went further behind.

Barry replaced O'Sullivan for Hollister for fresh legs, but at this time they weren't in the match and as the home side piled on the pressure they were rewarded with a try following a catch and drive which, when converted, put them in front by 20-7.

Desperate to get back into the game Barry put some moves together which all came to nothing when the usually reliable handling let them down. They were however rewarded

when recycled ball found Barros whose sharp break found the space to get to the line and cross for the try which with Scott adding the extras brought Barry to within six points.

This break seemed to encourage Barry but the game management was poor as they struggled to create the platform needed.

Provis and Vidal replaced Oaten and Ryan as the home side camped in Barry territory but good defence stopped any scoring.When Barry did manage to break out they were guilty

of taking wrong options and wasted possible try scoring opportunities.

Despite this they were to take the lead as the game entered its final minutes when after opting to take a scrum rather than go for goal, Barros once again deceived the defence to sneak over for a try which, with the conversion, gave Barry a one point lead.

All that was required was a cool head to see out the remaining time, but the heavy penalty count which they had suffered all afternoon was added to to give Abercynon the chance to secure victory which they duly kicked to win the game in which they had been the better side despite the closeness of the scoreline.

It is hard to explain why Barry produced such a lacklustre performance when they have been so consistent throughout the majority of the season.

Certainly they will need to be at the top of their game this Saturday when they visit league leaders Porth who lost their first game of the season last Saturday.

A coach will leave the club at 12.30pm for players and supporters.

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