Big win puts Barry RFC in second spot (From Barry And District News)

Big win puts Barry RFC in second spot

8:20am Thursday 1st October 2009

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BARRY 30 PENYGRAIG 9

THE BOMBERS went into Saturday's game with a maximum 15 points from the first 3 games of the season.

Looking to continue this success, they faced Penygraig at the Reservoir Field.

From the off, it was clear that Penygraig were not going to be a pushover, with their No 10 featuring prominently.

First blood went the way of Barry after 5 minutes with an infringement gifting Tomos Lee 3 points from a penalty kick. The scores were levelled 45 seconds later with a counter penalty scored by Penygraig and another penalty gave the visitors the lead.

The game started to turn ugly after an attempted spear tackle by the 'Graig wing on Rhys O'Sullivan was repaid in kind a few minutes later, at which point it all kicked off. Reckless retaliation by full back Danny Ryan gained him an instant red card.

Shortly afterwards the man who had been key to Penygraig's gameplay thus far left the pitch with concussion. The resultant penalty was deservedly true, bringing the first half to a close with Barry trailing 9-3.

Barry, now down to 14 men for the remaining 40 minutes, would need to pull something special from the bag if they were to maintain their perfect record.

With the advantage of the slope in the second half, Barry were to take a further 13 minutes before coming into their own, when Owain Brown, ably supported by Peter O'Sullivan, crossed the line for the first try of the game. Lee's conversion ticked the box, taking Barry back into the lead.

The Bombers very own Jamie Roberts equivalent, Alyn Evans, was pivotal in the scoring of the second try. With a powerhouse run that started at the half way line, he drew in no less than 4 Penygraig players before executing a perfect off-load in the tackle to Dave Provis.

Provis continued the forward momentum, throwing a quality hand-off into the mix, eventually being stopped 10m short. He too off-loaded, this time to Dan Myers who was not going to be stopped as he dived between the posts. The simple conversion was never in doubt and the lead was extended to 8 points.

Barry's third try was by far the most entertaining. It started with Evans and Rees Hardy stopping the Penygraig full back whilst on a charge, then lifting him clean off his feet and comically walking him backwards for 10m, much to the delight of the crowd.

Possession was ripped away with the ball eventually being booted towards the Penygraig try line. Peter O'Sullivan was in hot pursuit, managing to pounce on and ground the ball inches short of the dead ball line. Tom Lee again added the 2 points.

Three tries to the good, Barry were seeking that rewarding fourth but with only a few minutes left on the clock, time was the eventual winner. Barry's defence was once again impeccable and it's been over 2 hours since a try has been conceded.

Elsewhere in the division, Blackwood beat Old Pens to remain top, Deri lost to Senghenydd, pushing them down to 3rd behind Barry.

Tries - Brown, Myers, P.O'Sullivan; Convs - Lee (3); Pens - Lee (3).

This Saturday, Barry travel to Cowbridge for the first of a triple header of local derby fixtures.

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