Llantwit Major II 31 Barry II 22

THE Barrians returned to action after a short lay-off with a trip to local rivals Llantwit Major.

With only 13 players available it was thanks to the generosity of the opposition to lending the green and whites two players to make it a 15-a-side contest.

It was not surprising that the hosts opened their account early on, given the Barrians’ disrupted preparations, with a converted try.

However, the proposed floodgates did not open and it was the visitors who upped the ante as the half wore on.

Their endeavours were rewarded when fly-half Ashley Adams burrowed over for a try after a prolonged siege. Evan Wall was unable to add to extras.

Back came Llantwit and they increased their lead with another converted try under the posts as the interval neared.

But a superb break by captain Wayne Jones saw a delayed pass find wing Nathan Taylor who sped past all defenders to score in the corner.

Wall missed the conversion but at half time the visitors were well in the game with the score at 14-10.

Indeed it was the Barrians who were more enterprising following the interval and showed more inventive play with their talented backs.

It was Adams again who weaved his magic, executing a kick-and-chase to perfection to touch down in the corner.

Wall failed to add the extras but the visitors are now in the lead.

The momentum swung again when the away side were penalised repeatedly in their own twenty-two leading to two yellow cards.

The hosts took full advantage to regain the lead with two tries, seemingly putting the game out of touch with the score at 28-15.

Once again the visiting side showed their determination and perseverance as yet another break by Jones saw make-shift hooker Jon Morris crash through under the posts.

Wall stroked over the extras to make it a one score game.

Could there be a famous comeback by the Barrians?

Sadly it was not to be as the clock and the referee’s whistle intervened and it was the home side who made the game safe with a late penalty kick.

Despite the defeat the Barrians could take many positives from the game and if they were to continue their endeavour then surely results will soon go their way.

Many thanks to Llantwit Major for their hospitality and the whole of Barry RFC will be looking forward to welcoming them for the return fixture later in the season.

Tries: Adams (2), Taylor, Morris, Con: Wall

Team: Corne, Morris, Gill, Wheeler, Giddings, Rolfe, Wall, Adams, Knapman, Jones ©, Hamonda, Taylor, Forrester

Subs not used: Chow, Pugh