LOOKING to close the gap on sides above them, Barry travelled to leaders Abercwmboi in their latest league fixture last Saturday.

Despite going down to a 29-20 defeat, Barry showed glimpses of their ability to compete and beat the best in the League if only they could put 80 minutes together and tidy up their basic error count which in this game proved costly.

Starting slowly again saw Barry on the defensive from the kick off and Aber on the front foot dictating the game.

They missed an early penalty chance, but finally took the lead from a forward drive at the lineout which put them 7-0 ahead.

Barry were slowly beginning to warm to the task and getting some possession, but unable to create the space needed.

Aber. enjoying a steady stream of possession continued to attack and although a kick at goal failed, they soon found themselves further ahead as a Barry clearance failed to find touch allowing them the time and space to counter to score an unconverted try and a lead of 12 points.

Finally Barry woke up and attacked from the restart.

Although they failed to create a chance they retained the ball forcing Aber to concede a penalty.

A fine kick from wide out by Kyle Barross saw them finally get on the scoreboard.

A slice of luck from an awkward bounce gave Barry their best chance of the afternoon a chance that wasn't wasted as several pairs of hands were involved before Alyn Evans crossed for the try and with Kyle Barross again converting from wide out the Aber lead was down to two points.

A series of penalties against Aber dominated the final minutes of the half, and while none were in range they allowed Barry to hold the upper hand and cause concern in the Aber ranks.

It was 12-10 at half-time.

The early minutes of the second half saw the teams probing but two solid defences limited the number of chances for either side.

Unfortunately Barry began to concede penalties some which confused both sets of supporters but allowed Aber to get some territory.

The stalemate was broken as Aber drove a lineout from a penalty to score a converted try and the lead increased to nine points.

Worse was to come as a clearance by Barry failed to find touch leaving the defence out of position giving Aber the easiest of tries which was again converted and the two-point deficit had quickly become 16.

With still some 20 minutes remaining it was important that Barry get the next score.

Getting themselves into the home 22 they probed the line and got very close but maintained possession and finally managed to breach the defence as Alyn Evans crossed for his second try, with no conversion this time it was now 26-15.

Barry were penalised immediately at the restart and this time Aber took the kick at goal which sailed over for a 14-point lead.

With the clock ticking Barry launched one last effort and camped themselves in the home 22.

Several attacks were repelled but they were not to be denied as Harry Moyle crashed his way over the line for the try.

Unfortunately the conversion which could have given them a bonus point missed, but their was still time.

Despite further attacks time finally ran out on Barry and the scoreline stayed at 29-20 as the final whistle went.

A good game which Barry deserved to get something from but that is how tight these games are in this league.

Next Saturday Barry entertain Llanishen, kick off 2.30pm

The Lottery rolls over to £3400 this week after last weeks numbers of 06 - 10 - 11 and 12 could not be matched. No tickets matched three numbers either.