BARRY RFC stunned title contenders Aberdare at the Reservoir Field last Saturday, producing one of their finest performances this season to secure a 27-17 victory in an enthralling encounter.

The hosts got off to the best possible start with a try after only three minutes. Good work from Rob Williams and Einan Scott earned Barry a lineout in the visitors 22, with the resulting catch and drive seeing Alyn Evans touch down at the back of the pack. Kyle Barross converted for a seven point lead.

Aberdare began to use their forward power to disrupt Barry at the set piece, creating good ball for their backs, but Barry's defence refused to buckle and they soon extended their lead with a Kyle Barross penalty stretching the advantage to 10 points.

But evidencing why they occupy their current spot near the top of the table, Aberdare hauled themselves into the game and reduced the deficit soon after. After driving Barry off the ball, the visitors made their way into the home 22 for the first time and despite being thwarted on three occasions, they finally managed to breach the defence as their scrum-half dummied and jinked his way through for their opening try. With the conversion successful, the deficit was down to just three.

Worse was to come as a speculative clearance from the restart was allowed to bounce between two defenders, giving an open run to the line for a try which although unconverted, gave Aberdare a slim advantage on the scoreboard.

But with restarts causing a problem for both sides, it was Aberdare's turn to suffer soon after as they conceded two quick penalties resulting in a chance for Baross to restore the home lead.

And the ever-reliable kicker did not disappoint, slotting between the posts to put Barry 13-11 in front.

Barry were failing to match the aggression of the visitors however and looked to be struggling as half-time approached, giving away penalty after penalty in their own half. Aberdare made the territory count, spreading the ball wide after a lineout for their third try of the game to give them a 17-13 lead at the break.

Whatever was said at half-time soon turned things around for Barry however, who opened the second half as they had started the match with an early try. Tom Perry fed Brad White who sailed over the line for the try and with Baross converting, Barry's lead was restored.

And the hosts became increasingly dominant as the second half wore on, with their opponents clearly struggling with Barry's added aggression and competitiveness. So much so that it came as no surprise when Barry further extended their lead when Alyn Evans broke through to play in Einan Scott for a try shortly after. Baross again added the extras to make it 27-17.

Aberdare at this stage had no answer to a rampaging Barry side, who by now were looking for the bonus point fourth try they richly deserved.

Twice they appeared to have managed it, only to be called back by the referee, and on a third occasion when it seemed they had finally grounded the ball they were penalised and the chance had gone.

Aberdare piled some late pressure on the home defence to no avail, with the hosts in no mood to let slip a fine victory as the game ended 27-17 to Barry.

The win moves them up to third in the table and with Barry due to play those around them in the coming weeks, they will need to display similar form again in order to retain their place.

Barry entertain Abercynon this weekend who, despite their lowly league position, have proved to be challenging opponents in the past. Kick-off as usual will be at 2.30pm

The club lottery will rollover to £8,200 this weekend, with last week's numbers of 3, 11, 20 and 24 not matched.