BARRY 1ST XV 9

RHYDYFELIN 24

WHEN the Barry players arrived for the usual pre-match team briefing, Player Coach Andrew Prosser emphasised the need to train together as a unit if the side was to improve.

The point was rammed home by the league leaders in the last ten minutes of the game as they ran in three tries despite a spirited Barry effort.

Prior to kick off the match was put into perspective with a minute's silence for two former players and a valued club supporter.

First, the sudden tragic death of Roger O'Callaghan a week earlier in Tenerife was a great shock to many who had been team mates.

Roger was a great wing, who represented the 1st XV from 1969 to 1984 until injury in Florida abruptly ended his playing days - and golf took over.

The infamous Florida'84 tour programme jokingly described Roger as "famed for his climbing tackles and dropped passes. Hoping to smuggle all his jewellery through customs."

His friendship and socialising will be missed by many. Please contact the Rugby Club or Brynhill Golf Club for details of the imminent memorial service.

An earlier generation player of the 50s and Barry Club Captain in 1959/60 Jeff Beckingham passed away last Friday.

A member of the Cardiff RFC side that beat the touring New Zealand All Blacks in 1953, he also gained Welsh caps as hooker.

He was a unique player and character, and many an injured Barry player felt his undoubted physical strength as a physiotherapist of repute in his later career.

Final respects also to a great long serving member and supporter who also died recently, Dot Hardy, mother to former player Ian and grandmother to current youth team player Rhys.

The club's sympathies go to all the families concerned.

Barry had a great start to the game against Rhydyfelin and after 20 minutes found themselves leading 9-0 through three penalty kicks by outside half Rhydian Scott.

Rhydyfelin, with a large squad, had been able to pick a big pack to match the Barry forwards.

In many aspects they were able to nullify the usual forward driving strength of the Barry pack, as well as disrupting the throw-ins.

Midfield breaks by Dave Provis and Captain Andy Griffiths were two attacks of note, but no score resulted, so it remained 9-0 at half time.

The visitors started the second half by driving over for a forward try which was converted.

Finding it difficult to get out of their own half Barry finally succumbed to the pressures, conceding three tries in the final ten minutes of the game.

The leaders' fitness levels and cohesion amongst the forwards paid dividends.