Barry RFC 3 v Dinas Powys RFC 20

THERE was an air of disappointment around the clubhouse after Barry RFC suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of local rivals Dinas Powys on Saturday, January 7.

The much anticipated clash saw the home side fail to reach the standards they have set themselves in recent games and for large periods they were forced to play second fiddle to a well drilled and efficient side that showed why they lead the league.

Dinas kicked-off with the slope advantage and used it to drive Barry onto the defence before allowing their backs to attack the home line.

Early indications also showed their stronger scrum would play a major part in the proceedings as Barry struggled in this facet of the game.

Despite this it was Barry who opened the scoring from a penalty by Barross.

From the restart Dinas went on the attack with a series of driving lineouts which gave the backs some space to attack and some solid defending kept them from conceding. However, after a series of mauls close to the Barry line, the reset scrummage saw Barry unable to hold the scrum as they were pushed over the line for the first try of the game.

The game continued with the visitors enjoying the majority of territory and possession and any ball that Barry enjoyed was met by a solid rush defence and chances were few and far between.

Poor defensive kicking was not helping the Barry cause only adding further pressure to an already overworked defence.

They ultimately paid the price just on half-time as Dinas countered from a missed touch kick and a quickly taken penalty saw them cross for converted try to lead 12 - 3 at half-time.

The Barry cause was not helped by early second half injuries to Moyle and Scott and two 50 metre penalty chances which just dropped short.

The last thing Barry needed was to allow the visiting backs opportunities to counter attack but some aimless kicking was doing just that and once again it was to cost them points as the visitors kicked a penalty to extend their lead.

Barry's best chance to reduce the deficit came as the visitors were reduced to seven forwards and a series of penalties, just short of the line, saw Barry nearly score but get called back by the referee.

Just as it seemed that a try was inevitable the Barry eight was penalised for driving up the scrum and the chance was gone.

Unfortunately, this period was to be last chance for Barry as the visitors reasserted their control and a series of attacks finally broke the tired defence to cross for the final try with minutes left.

Their was no coming back for Barry despite a spirited effort in those final minutes and the game petered out to leave the final score 20 - 3 in the visitors favour.

Certainly a disappointment for the Barry side, but despite losing, the scoreline could have been worse had it not been for a huge defensive effort by all involved.

Perhaps of more concern was the injury count which saw Barry lose three players and the fact that the past three games have seen them score only one try.

This Saturday, January 14, Barry travel to Pontyclun in a rearranged league fixture, kick-off at 2.30pm. A coach will leave the club at 12.30pm.

Last week's lottery numbers were 4, 5, 7 and 21. Once again no one matched the numbers so this week's jackpot will be £3,425.