Barry RFC 33 Cardiff Met 5

Barry ran in five tries in an entertaining and fast flowing match in front of a large crowd at the Reservoir Field recently, restricting a competitive Cardiff Met to just one score in what head coach Liam Scott described as “a real good test”.

Barry’s performance was built ln a good week in training, said Scott, with everyone involved in the game training well on Thursday, “which allowed us to really get into detail. We executed a good game plan, and I’m happy with that.”

Back in action after a three-week break, this was the first of three competitive matches as Barry build for the start of the league season on November 13. Cardiff Met are the opponents again at Cyncoed on Saturday, and then Barry host fellow 1 East Central opponents St Peter’s in the Mallett Cup on October 23 prior to the international break.

With both sides committed to running rugby, the first half was action-packed, Barry taking the lead in the 11th minute when Ashton Allen finished off a drive after Cardiff Met had been penalised in the red zone, Einan Scott converting.

Both sides continued to threaten and look dangerous, Barry breaking through two minutes before the end of the half when Dave Provis went over following a kick ahead and chase to put Barry 12-0 up.

The level of intensity and performance was maintained after the interval. Cardiff Met tested Barry early, but the home side defended well, and launched several counter attacks of their own.

But the visitors finally broke through in the 64th minute, the speedy Jack Davies, who always looked a threat as Cardiff Met put together some good backs moves, finally outpacing the defence to score in the corner.

Barry responded perfectly, hitting back three minutes later, Alyn Evans surging over after a lineout and drive, Scott converting.

And in the closing minutes Barry added further tries. Ethan Dicks weaved his way through the Met defence in the 78th minute, and Dom Busuttil rounded off yet another good passing move with the clock in the red, Scott converting both for a comfortable and well-deserved victory.

Ken Watkins