BARRY 20

BETHESDA 18

ON WHAT may well prove to have been the final "summer" Saturday, of 2005, Barry welcomed 4th Division North side Bethesda for the 2nd round of the Konica Minolta Cup, in front of a sizeable crowd at the Reservoir Field.

It all seemed so easy when after only three minutes flanker James Hadfield took a quick tap penalty 25 metres from the opponents" try line.

Jinking, twisting and showing great determination, James evaded half a dozen defenders and stretched over for a try close to the posts, leaving a simple conversion for centre Chris Cummings.

Then with less than ten minutes played, the visitors suddenly took the lead with a penalty kick followed by an unconverted try.

As Barry tried to run the ball out of defence up the slope and into the breeze a stray pass led to an interception and corner score.

These events encouraged the North Walians and with Barry also rather lacklustre, a converted try was conceded just ten minutes later.

A good response by the home team saw them at last exploit the rather weak blind side defence to put supporting second row Mat Campbell clear from 30 metres out.

Reminiscent of his effort in the previous round against Colwyn Bay, he galloped for the same corner to score, but this time without that dive!

Another penalty, to Bethesda, gave them a 6 point half-time lead with the score 12-18.

Despite half an hour of second half pressure from Barry, they failed to score. Matters were not helped by stoppages for injuries to props Glen Morgan and Stuart Hunt, which hopefully will not prove too serious or long term.

Covering front row forwards James Hollister and John Haskell proved more then capable deputies, but being reduced to 14 men for ten minutes was also a blow.

Eventually, on the half hour mark, a successful Barry back line move in the Bethesda quarter saw hooker Brad Gee loitering with intent on the wing, to score, and cap a fine personal performance.

Cummings" conversion attempt close to the touchline just drifted wide of the upright at the last moment. This left Barry still in need of a further score for victory.

When given the opportunity five minutes later, Cummings duly obliged with a coolly taken penalty attempt.

With an inordinate amount of extra stoppage time added on by the referee, Barry were required to hold out a still determined Bethesda side.

Tensions mounted towards the end with confrontations between the forwards, but Barry held on for victory and now await the challenge of the third round draw.

The club wishes to thank member Chris Papadop-uolos for providing the match ball.

League action returns this Satur-day, again at home, with a 2.30pm kick-off against Abercwmboi.