BRECON 29 PTS,

BARRY 3 PTS

BARRY Rugby Club made the long trek into Powys last Saturday, to play their 13th league match of the season, but were unable to celebrate their first-ever visit to Brecon with a victory.

The October fixture had been a close affair, with Brecon winning by 21 points to 16, but since then the Powys side has managed to secure a mid-table position, while Barry are now at the bottom of the division with only one win and a draw.

The fact that team manager Colin Knapman was still trying to contact players on Saturday morning to check availability obviously did not augur well for the afternoon's encounter, but full credit must be given to those who turned out for producing a performance that made the home side work hard for its victory.

On a cloudy, dry and chilly afternoon, Brecon soon opened their account when, after taking full advantage of the very wide pitch, the right winger sprinted over for a converted try - a score which seemed a precursor of many more to come.

The Barry players, however, tightened their defence and, after the 'new look' pack became more of a unit, the side began to gain territorial advantage.

Unfortunately, as the game moved well into the second quarter, and after a series of scrums near the Barry goal line, the more experienced home pack drove to the Barry eight over their line for another converted try and a 14-point lead. Barry soon responded with a Rhidian Scott drop goal for an interval score of 14-3 to Brecon.

Barry opened the second half with greater endeavour and were soon awarded a penalty, but Scott's long-range effort fell just short. In the 18th minute of the half, Brecon went further ahead with a penalty goal and during the final five minutes they were able to run in two further tries, one converted, to gain victory by 29 points to 3.

The Barry players, to their credit, produced a solid display. The lack of experience, height and weight in the pack made for a difficult afternoon, while the backs, having to rely on slow ball, were unable to pose any real threat.

Collectively, however, the team did not give up, covering the largest pitch in the league without flagging and putting in tackle after tackle.

This Saturday, Barry entertain Tylorstown, while the Second XV are playing away against St Peters. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.