Back-to-back wins for Barry RFC (From Barry And District News)

Back-to-back wins for Barry RFC

8:46am Thursday 31st January 2008

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CILFYNYDD 18

BARRY RFC 20

AFTER THE previous week's victory over table toppers Llandaff North, it was essential for Barry to follow up with a similar performance against opposition from the lower quarter of the league table.

An early offside penalty to the home side did not bode well. Then after a further 20 minutes play, despite continuous Barry pressure, being camped in their own 22 metre area, and being a man down at the time, Cilfynydd managed to score an unconverted try wide out.

Barry responded quickly when from a tap penalty No 8 Matthew Campbell linked with flanker James Hadfield. A superb jinking 30 metre run saw him beat numerous defenders for a try between the posts and the formality of a conversion for centre Chris Cummings.

With half time approaching Cilfynydd regained their 8 point advantage with a converted try out wide for a 15-7 lead.

Injury to prop James Hollister saw former captain and front row stalwart Mike Prosser take to the field rather earlier than anticipated.

He made an immediate impact, not only in the scrums but also with a number of ball carrying charges during the second half. Also at half time Andy Buckland took over the full back role from Rhys Hardy.

A penalty apiece saw the home side retain their 8 point lead with 15 minutes remaining. Few attacking opportunities arose for the threequarters with outside half Andy Griffiths concentrating on the necessary field positions through astute kicking.

Cummings and fellow centre Dominic Busuttil had more defensive role requirements during the game. Winger Peter O'Sullivan had the additional role of 'swapping sides' when his very effective line out throwing-in skills were needed.

The Barry forwards maintained their impressive work rate in the line outs, scrums and breakdown situations, urged on constantly by scrum half John Diamond. Prop John Haskell with hooker Ashley Brown worked tirelessly.

Second rows John Campbell and Martin Tanner (Captain) not only won their own lineout ball consistently but often stole the opposition's.

Matt Campbell made numerous telling charges from the scrum base. As a result flanker Hywel Jones was able to make a blind side break into covering defenders.

Then with deft uncharacteristic (or unknown) mesmeric dummying skills he found himself able to put winger Josh Davies in at the corner. A superb touchline conversion effort from Cummings brought Barry within a single point going into the final 10 minutes.

A further period of Barry pressure created the opportunity for Cummings to slot over another difficult pressure penalty kick to take the lead for the first time in the game.

Barry held at bay the onslaught for the final few minutes and deserved their bit of luck as a Cil penalty attempt hit the upright towards the end.

Because of the Six Nations matches the next league game will not be until Saturday, February 16, kick-off 2.30pm, at home at the Reservoir Field against league strugglers Ferndale, when a hat-trick win will be the target.

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