BARRY travelled to Abercynon last Saturday hoping to make up for last week's heavy defeat to Aberdare, and to their credit they produced a much improved performance to run out worthy winners by 23-13.

Both sides attempted to play expansive rugby and the early stages of the game saw the teams well-matched as they probed for any weaknesses.

The first real chance fell to the home side as they created an opening but failed to use the overlap and Barry held firm, and the hosts were made to pay moments later.

A loose ball found prop Evans who, with an outrageous dummy, scythed through the defence to score a fine individual try to give Barry the lead.

They were to go further ahead minutes later as O'Sullivan's charge for the line was halted illegally, giving Barross an easy penalty from directly in front of the posts.

Abercynon responded from the restart, forcing Barry into conceding a penalty and the successful kick reduced the arrears to five points.

Barry were enjoying enough possession to maintain the pressure, but were let down by some poor handling allowing Abercynon the chance to attack on the counter. One such move from the halfway line saw them earn another penalty to further reduce the deficit.

Barry came straight back as Hadfield regathered the restart and broke clear. With support in attendance the ball was recycled and a clever inside pass from Barross saw O'Sullivan in the clear to cross for his side's second try.

With the conversion successful, Barry took a 15-6 lead with half-time approaching.

Barry were certainly playing with more confidence as they continued to keep Abercynon on the back foot, and a break from Such, carried on by O'Sullivan and Evans took them to the line for a scrum. A strong forward drive saw them push the home side over their line, with Lee grabbing the try to give Barry a healthy lead at the break.

Barry began the second half as they had finished the first, but wasted chances to increase their advantage.

The pack was beginning to get the better of the home eight, creating more opportunity for the backs, and after a penalty had taken Barry deep into home territory, a further infringement allowed Barross to kick at goal. Another solid strike saw Barry move into a 23-6 lead.

This setback brought Abercynon to their senses and they began to put Barry under pressure, with the visitors' defence called swiftly into action.

But having managed to stem the attacking threat in winning a scrum near their own try-line, Barross was able to launch a clearance upfield.

Having weathered the pressure Barry went back on the attack and a break from White looked likely to be another try only for the referee to penalise them just short of the line. The minutes ticked away with Barry looking for the bonus point try only for them to rue the chances they created with handling errors.

As it was, the stalemate was finally broken when Abercynon countered from a missed touch which finally saw their winger breach the defence to score a good try. The conversion proved to be the last kick of the game, as the whistle went to end an entertaining game of rugby.

The squad can be pleased in the way they responded after last week with an improved performance but will probably rue the chances they had to win by a wider margin.

Barry entertain league leaders Gilfach Goch this Saturday, in a 2.30pm kick-off.

Members are reminded that membership must be paid by September 30. The club is open each night from 7pm and payment can be be made to Carol at the bar.

The lottery rolls over again this week to £6,500, as last weeks numbers of 06, 09, 12 and 23 were not matched.