Barry Bombettes victorious in Maesteg (From Barry And District News)

Barry Bombettes victorious in Maesteg

9:00am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

MAESTEG CELTIC 5 BARRY BOMBETTES 12

HOPING to follow up recent successes against the same opponents, Barry Bombettes travelled the relatively short distance to Maesteg, with a rainy afternoon failing to dampen the enthusiasm of either side.

From the outset, the Barry forwards took the fight to their opponents with powerful drives by Phillips, Horne, Cahill and Richards. Due to injuries and unavailability, the team had to be juggled slightly, with Yapp deputising at No 9. She did not disappoint the coaches or her team mates and enjoyed a solid game, sniping and distributing the ball well to her backs.

However, this was not a game for running rugby from the backs and, for long periods, the forwards controlled the game. Special mention must go to all the pack who worked their socks off against an improving Maesteg eight. This tied Barry’s back row in on occasions but No 8 Cole showed her speed, breaking several times from the back of scrums/rucks and making holes in the home defence.

The first 20 minutes were played mostly in the Maesteg half but Barry still needed resolute defence, and Wilson's tap tackle on the right wing prevented the speedy Maesteg centre going on the outside for a certain breakaway try. This was the blueprint for the game, with Bombettes having territorial advantage but being faced with the threat of Maesteg counter attacks from their quicker backs.

When called upon, Brittton, Wilson and B Jones played their part well in defence and attack alike. Special mention goes to youthful No 10 Waller, also playing out of position, who performed well in the conditions, with plenty of encouragement from experienced K Jones at No 12. Waller is undoubtedly one of the best tackling 10s in the league.

The Bombettes were putting several phases together, with the ‘Pod’ training paying dividends. From one of their drives came the game's first try. The Maesteg scrum was put under pressure and, with Yapp hassling the Celtic No 9, the ball broke to the Barry openside flanker. Moments later, after good recycling of quick ball, No 3 Richards powered her way over near the posts for a well deserved Barry try. K Jones slotted the conversion with ease to give Barry a 7-0 lead.

Maesteg tried to come back but, with the Barry back row of Garner-Joel and Boffy tackling anything that moved, the Bombettes were soon back deep in the Maesteg 22. The greasy ball was proving difficult for both teams and, with Barry looking to increase their lead, the ball was lost.

A speedy Maesteg back hacked on and won the foot race to touch down for Celtic's only score, totally against the run of play. Barry powered back and, from a lovely backs move, K Jones spun out of two tackles and fed the supporting Yapp, who touched down.

Unfortunately, as in previous games, an opposing player knocked the ball out of the try scorer's hands and the unsighted ref gave a knock on and no try. Despite the forwards' efforts, Maesteg managed to hang on for the half time whistle trailing 7-5.

The second half was a mirror image of the first, with Cole, Richards and the other forwards making inroads into the Celtic defence. Mention goes to the powerful Cahill, with her totally legal palm off and run taking the visitors deep into the Celtic 22.

The Barry line out was working well and Boffy again spoiled a lot of Maesteg ball. Phillips at hooker was causing no end of problems at the front of the line, making several tackles. This was her best game to date and made her a contender for Bombettes' woman of the match.

From driving forward play, the ball was quickly passed out to Waller who fed Jones, spotting an overlap on the left wing. Jones was marshalled well and found support in second row Morgan, who calmly took the ball, drew the tackle and then off loaded, putting Jones in for the decisive Barry try. Much to the relief of the Barry supporters and duly rewarded. The conversion was narrowly missed.

Maesteg infringed several times following from totally committed tackling by backs and forwards alike. Good ground was made by Jones’ line kicks, allowing Barry to take the line out and set up another phase of attack. From probably the only misdirected kick, Maesteg hoofed the ball down field and only calm play from Wilson prevented another breakaway try.

In the last 10 minutes, the Bombettes showed what they were about, with solid defence keeping Celtic out. In hindsight, Celtic only looked as if they would score through their backs and it would have been a total miscarriage of justice if Barry had let the win slip.

The fact that they didn’t speaks volumes of how they/we have progressed as a team. Barry need to be slightly more clinical with overlaps but this was another experience/win under their belts. At the final whistle, Barry were fittingly in the Maesteg half.

Team: Horne, Phillips, Richards, Cahill, Morgan, Garner-Joel, Cole, Boffy (capt), Yapp, Waller, Wilson, K Jones, Britton, B Jones, Hill, Kath Jones, Baron and S Evans.

Bombettes' woman of match - Yapp (also chosen by Maesteg), deputised by Richards.

Bombettes would like to thank Maesteg for their post-match hospitality and the travelling Barry supporters. Also super subs Kath Jones, Baron and Evans who didn’t get on this time. It was lovely to see J Jones supporting her team and we wish her a speedy recovery.

This Sunday Barry travel to Tylorstown, with the coach leaving the club at 12 noon. Supporters welcome.

* Barry Ladies RFC are always looking to recruit new players, no matter what age or experience. They train at Barry Rugby Club on a Monday and Thursday (6.30-8); contact Becky Boffy (capt) on 07528 933227 or manager Andy 07879 004142 if interested (email barryladies@hotmail.co.uk).

* Barry RFC will again host a fireworks extravaganza on Saturday, November 3; enjoy food, fireworks and disco. A must for all the family; doors open 6pm (adults £2, kids £1; payable on the door).