Season starts with a big win for Barry RFC (From Barry And District News)

Season starts with a big win for Barry RFC

8:00am Thursday 10th September 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

BARRY RFC 31 CANTON RFC 0

IN A REPEAT of last season, Barry faced Canton in the season opener, and the spoils again went to the home XV.

With Barry playing their traditional first half into the wind and up the hill, much of the early pressure came from Canton, but they could not convert it into points.

The turning point arrived 15 minutes in, with the Canton scrum half being pinged for a high tackle / contact with the face area and spending the obligatory 10 minutes in the cooler.

Quick ball from Barry saw Owain Brown open the scoring with a sprint from close to half way. Captain Chris Cummings duly converted.

Ill-discipline from Canton 10 minutes later gave Cummings a penalty opportunity – in blustery conditions, he added the 3 points after the ball hit the upright, with luck favouring the bounce.

10-0 was the score at the break after a niggly first half.

The restart spurred Canton into action, but they couldn't turn possession into points.

James Hollister replaced Dave Hoskins at tight head after the latter sustained an ankle injury. With new legs in the scrum, Canton were on the receiving end of a lesson in scrummaging and spent most of the remaining playing time pegged in their own half.

Pressure from Barry as they sought that 2nd try caused infringements from the Canton pack, the referee awarding a penalty try.

With the scent of blood in the Bombers nostrils, the ball was moved quickly between the backs, giving Brown, at No 8, his second try of the match. Again, Cummings added the points.

With 20 minutes left, Barry were seeking that all important fourth try to secure a bonus point victory.

Poor discipline by Canton gave them the opportunity, as a kick to touch saw replacement hooker Andrew Prosser allow Danny Williams to continue his dominance in the line out.

Possession was squandered, only for Canton to knock on. With space and an overlap on the right, the spectators were dismayed to see the ball go left, but when Dave Provis squirmed through the Canton tackles to deliver the coup de grace under the posts, the bonus point was assured.

Cummings converted, giving him 5 from 5 for the afternoon.

Handbags a few minutes from time persuaded the referee to finish the game early, but only after red carding the Canton tight-head.

An ugly end to a fine result which sees Barry at the top of the table.

This Saturday Barry are away to Cefn Coed. Next home game is on September 19 when Barry entertain league newcomers Senghenydd.

• Print
• Email
• Share