BARRY 2nd XV travelled to face high flying Rhiwbina 2nd XV with more hope than expectation.

Without a coach or many regular players to choose from, manager Ken Chow’s cause was not helped by selected players failing to turn up on the day. As it was, Chow lifted the back-line from the 3rd XV, bringing in Mike van Birgelen for his first 2nd XV start, and also introducing David Evans, Michael Avaient and Chris Bailey into the line-up. The chaotic preparations meant that Barry was unable to fill the entire replacement bench with Chow himself as substitute.

The game got off to a predictable start with Rhiwbina dominating and scoring in the opening minutes. Just when Barry had some possession and field position, disaster struck again when a collision in midfield ended up with Dave Evans concussed and requiring ambulatory care.

Barry tried to rally but were visibly shaken by the serious nature of the injury, and the reshuffle in an already patched-up back-line saw Rhiwbina firmly gain the initiative.

James Sullivan came on at half time to form a formidable front row with Lee Turnbull and Ashley Brown, and Barry did have some control in the set piece area, but found themselves wanting in open play as they did not have the structure to compete with the quality of the home side.

There were some outstanding individual defensive performances, particularly from Jack Giddings, and several times the away side found themselves on the Rhiwbina line, but ultimately Barry came home empty-handed.

There was still time for substitute Chow to cynically concede a penalty try at the death, but whilst the result was a negative one, the positive note is that the injured Evans received an all-clear from the University Hospital and was released on the same day. The club would like to thank the care afforded to him by both sets of physios and the ambulatory care staff on this matter. The club wish him a speedy recovery.

Barry 2nd XV will hope the four week international break will trim down the crippling injury list when they return to league action on December 6 to host Rumney, whilst 3rd XV are at home to Sea View.

Team: Poole; van Birgelen, D Evans, Avaient, Bailey; McCann, Dimond; Heard, Turnbull, Brown; Dutton, Case; Rolfe (C), Giddings, J Evans

Replacements: Sullivan, Thomas, Chow

Man-of-the-match: Giddings