A performance to be proud of! (From Barry And District News)

A performance to be proud of!

7:25am Thursday 24th April 2008

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CARDIFF HSOB 6

BARRY 1ST XV 14

AFTER the disappointment of the previous week's performance away to Aberdare, a more committed effort was expected from the players involved last Saturday, to show that they can stand up and be counted.

In the absence of Martin Tanner (at some LA boxing event) Chris Cummings captained the side but it was coach/ hooker Andrew Prosser who led his forwards from the front with great influence on the team's controlled style of play.

Barry had an early opportunity to take the lead from a penalty but Cummings attempt was uncharacteristically just wide.

Despite early territorial advantage, primarily through the forwards, and varied tactical kicking from outside half Cummings, the scoreboard remained motionless.

Chasing a high up and under kick by full back Rhys Hardy, winger Jamie Jones was somewhat harshly adjudged to have committed a professional tackle on the marker, and Barry then had to defend for the 10 minute period of the penalty.

On the half hour mark, lock John Campbell had to retire injured and the importance of reserves was proved as versatile forward Julian McTavish slotted into the second row.

It was stalemate at half time and Barry came out for the second half facing the slight slope and the wind.

It was going to take something special to breach two gridlock defences and it came from the visitors ten minutes into the half.

As the Old Boys anticipated Cummings clearing his lines to touch with an orthodox penalty in his own half, he spotted the signalling and unmarked Pete O'Sullivan on the far side, and a long crossfield kick saw the winger gather the bouncing ball.

When he was hauled down just short of the try line after a searing run, the supporting Barry forwards made the most of the situation and veteran lock Lyndon James used his guile, strength, height and reach to score a great try, superbly converted by Cummings out wide.

Two penalties for the home side brought them within 1 point and with Barry again a man down for a yellow card "high tackle" it was a great defensive performance by all players which kept the home side at bay.

Some crunching midfield tackles by centre Dave Provis and Hardy, along with a touchline Prosser special, were particularly notable.

Back to full strength for the final 10 minutes, the running power of winger James Jones was at last utilised down the blindside on halfway, to set up an attacking position in the home 22 metre area.

After a number of forays by the forwards, it was alert scrum half Josh Davies who cut through a gap to cross out wide and cap off a fine all-round performance with a try. Cummings again expertly converted.

Injured centre Andy Buckland was replaced by Kyle Fahiya as Barry controlled the ball in the closing minutes and could have grabbed another try in the last move of the game.

Jubilation by the players and supporters at the whistle mixed with frustration that only a few more similar displays during the season would have seen Barry on the right side of a few close scoring games and a safe position in the league.

Squad: Rhys Hardy, Pete O'Sullivan, Dave Provis, Andy Buckland, Chris Cummings (C), Josh Davies, James Hollister, Andrew Prosser, Ashley Brown, John Campbell, Lyndon James, Owain Brown, Hywel Jones, Jason Evans. Subs J McTavish, K Fahiya, D Gibbon, Dave Smith.

FIXTURES

This Saturday Barry are at home to Dowlais, kick-off 2.30pm; midweek, Wednesday, April 30, away to Abercwmboi, kick-off 7.15pm; and in the final game of the season on Saturday, May 3, at home to Aberdare.

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