Barry 2nd XV 16-54 Glamorgan Wanderers 2nd XV

Tries: Ring, J Evans

Pens: Cummings (2)

BARRY 2nd XV was hoping to recapture their early season form against formidable opponents Glamorgan Wanderers on a fine autumnal afternoon.

Once again injuries and unavailability of key players forced coach Rhidian Scott and manager Ken Chow to delve deep into the resources. There was a recall for veteran fly-half Chris Cummings, who partnered Maltese international John Dimond at half back. Tom Adams was drafted into the wing from the youth squad with Lee Jones returning as captain.

Barry appeared strong early on as they dominated the line-out and looked to gain an advantage in the tight. There were good forward drives from the veterans Jason Evans and Nick Rolfe, with the midfield looking dangerous with ball in hand.

However, as with the last few games, the lack of a decisive game plan and defensive cohesion let the side down, as following some poor tackling, the visitors sauntered through the score.

Barry’s reply was to utilise their forwards once more to draw a penalty opportunity which Cummings gladly accepted in front of the posts to narrow the deficit.

Not learning from their mistakes, Barry kicked the ball away aimlessly again despite their forward dominance, and the talented Wanderers pack made the home side pay with another unconverted score.

Cummings narrowed the deficit once more with a well-struck penalty, but despite some good individual defensive performances, most notably from wing Rhys Knapman and full back Evans, the collective defensive unit was frail. A quality side such as the Wanderers were to take full advantage some well-executed moves.

The visitors scored decisive tries either side of the interval following more poor game management by the home side to send themselves out of touch and also securing the bonus point. Scott was left hapless on the sidelines, and his cause was not helped by injuries to key players, forcing him to put flanker Nathan Harris into inside centre, with which the player performed admirably.

Tries came and went before the home side finally realised that they must play to their strengths. Utilising their forward power finally, they turned pressure into a close range try from substitute Liam Ring. McCann failed to add the extras.

With the full time whistle approaching Barry kicked a penalty deep into enemy territory once more. The result was a well-worked driving maul leading to Jason Evans touching down for his second try of the season.

The management will hope that the late scores will bring some momentum into the next weekend where the side will travel to Llandaff, whilst the 3rd XV visit Fairwater.

Team: A Evans; Knapman, McCann, Hewitson, Adams; Cummings, Dimond; Thomas, Turnbull, Heard; Flynn, Dutton; Rolfe, Jones ©, J Evans

Replacements: Ring, Westall, Harris, D Evans

Man-of-the-match: Knapman