Pentyrch Youth 17 Barry RFC Youth 27

By Ian Fifield

BARRY travelled to Pentyrch for this Blues Conference League fixture and considering the rain we’ve had the pitch was in good order, although a bit sticky.

The problem for both sides was a strong wind blowing straight down the field, this was certainly going to be a game of two halves.

Skipper Ethan S won the toss and decided to play into the wind first half. Christian B, Liam B and Cameron T were all carrying the ball well, making good yardage. Excellent support play from Ellis C, Rhydian G, Jack L and Josh J ensured plenty of possession for the Barry side. Adam P had another excellent performance, in difficult conditions he won plenty of line out ball on our throw and theirs.

Half backs Zak F and Jack W controlled play superbly, with good use of pod work, and moving the ball through the hands when opportunity came. In midfield Jack R and George M were awesome, both making line breaks and showing excellent handling skills. Dylan W, Jac N and Ethan had to stay focused, and added themselves to Barry’s attack when possible.

It was an excellent start for Barry, receiving the kick-off a pod of forwards made good ground, quick ruck ball, another pod of forwards up the midfield, quick hands through the backs to Jac who went around his opposite number, good cover defence by the Pentyrch fullback stopped him 15 meters out, Zak, like a good scrum half should, was there in support and took the pass from his winger and sprinted over for the games opening try.

More good pod work from the forwards and Barry were on the attack again. Christian was very impressive and took the man of the match award, and it was the talented prop forward who scored next, with another bulldozing run. Con by Zak, 12-0.

Pentyrch got back into the game with two well taken tries, one converted 12-12.

Barry finished the half the strongest but failed to add to the scoreboard, having what looked like a good try by Christian chalked off by the referee.

Jacob P , Jack C, Rhys R, Owen P, Jacob J and Iestyn N all had game time coming off the bench, and all performed well. JP made three important turnovers with excellent technic in the jackal. Couchy ran hard and Rhys got involved.

More good work from the forwards and backs and Barry were in striking distance again, Zak picked out George who was running a nice line, a lovely timed pass and the classy centre sliced through the defence to score an excellent team try.

Zak received the restart beat one defender, grubber kick passed the next and showed excellent football skills to dribble the ball over the try line and pounce for a well-deserved score. George did something similar with the same outcome for his second try of the game. Pentyrch scored next for what was to be only a consolation score.

A bonus point win away against a decent side shows how far we have come with the development of this squad. Fantastic effort by all.

Big thank you to the green and white army for your continued vocal support.