HISTORY will tell you that having a week off is not the best thing for Barry 1st XV who seem to have to get rid of the cobwebs before they play to their potential in these situations.

This was certainly the case last weekend against St Albans when for the first 35 minutes they struggled to master neither their opponents nor the blustery conditions.

Playing into the wind in the first half Barry was guilty of over complicating their game thus playing into the hands of a determined Buns side. Things were helped by the loss early on of captain Tanner who was replaced by Glyn Jones.

The game was becoming a stalemate despite determined efforts from Adams and Evans, and far too often the game was being marred by what seemed to be constant stoppages for penalty infringements by both sides.

The visitors finally opened the scoring from a penalty awarded for a high tackle.

This setback appeared to finally see the last of the Hallowe’en effect as Barry began to exert pressure up front and gain some territory against the elements. Several attempts to get over the line were thwarted and it required a penalty in front of the posts to bring the game level just short of half time.

The final move of the half saw Barry take the lead when, from a scrum on the half way line, the ball was chipped ahead by Perry and gathered by the following Provis to run in a well worked try, which with the conversion by Scott gave the home team a five point lead.

Having to reorganise following yellow cards Barry had to be at their defensive best to repel the attacks of the visitors as they sought to maximise their numerical advantage. Over eagerness to do this caused them to go further behind after conceding a penalty kicked again by Scott.

With the elements in Barry's favour, the visitors’ only option was to keep the ball in hand. A quick penalty was taken by the Buns and when this broke down the ball moved out to the wing for White to finish well from some 50 yards out, with the extras being added by Scott.

With the visitors making every effort to run, it was inevitable that mistakes would occur, and from yet another breakdown Perry found himself free to cross for a try, again the extras came from Scott.

Barry were now dominating proceedings although full credit must be given to the Buns who refused to buckle, even threatening the home defence on more than one occasion.

The final try of the day was created by Scott whose huge pass missing out both centres was taken by Provis who crossed for his second try to give Barry the bonus point they needed and a win by 32 points to three.

A good win in the end in what were trying conditions. Everyone played their part including subs Poole, Ryan and Williams.

With the Autumn Internationals starting next weekend, the players have a four week break before their next game at Taffs Well on December 6.

This date coincides with the Xmas Draw and those still holding tickets should leave them at the bar before the draw date.

Unsold books should also be returned although there won’t be any will there.