Fixture

Barry's latest League game saw them travel to Clydach Vale to play newly promoted Cambrian Welfare last Saturday and come away  suffering a 22 - 10 defeat.

It was a game in which Barry showed their strong defensive qualities to restrict the home side to a solitary try, but also highlighted areas of game management that need to improve.

From the kick off it was Welfare who took the initiative, quickly moving the ball wide with their back three warning Barry of the pace they possessed.

An early ball spread by Barry created space on the outside, but with the final pass not going to hand the chance was wasted, the loose ball nearly giving Welfare the opening try.

They were to open the score minutes later when the pace of the backs saw them carve an opening which Barry couldn't cover for a try and conversion and a 7 point lead..

As the half progressed Welfare continued to apply most of the pressure and it was only the aggressive defending that kept the Barry line intact as they struggled for any meaningful possession.The decision to keep the ball in play rather than clear to touch was not helping the cause.

With the packs both evenly matched the game was being dictated by Welfare No 10 as when the running option was not on, his kicking

 was driving back into their own territory.

As half time approached Barry had not reached the Welfare 22, not from lack of effort, but when opportunities had come their way, a series of unforced errors spoilt any chance they had to level the game.

Somehow Barry managed to see the half out limiting Welfare to that single score much to the bemusement of home supporters,but if the game continued in the same vein in the second half it could be a long 40mins for Barry.

Barry produce an answer to this immediately from the kick off. Welfare spread the ball from the restart as expected but the move broke down in midfield.Perry scooped up the loose ball to feed O'Sullivan who raced 30m to score the try, together with the conversion from Barross and within the first minute of the half Barry were level.

Things got even better moments later as Welfare were caught offside and again Barross kicked the goal to give them 10 - 7 lead  to stun the home crowd.

As expected Welfare reacted and again with sensible tactical kicking kept Barry on the back foot. Barry were caught offside and a Welfare penalty saw the game level.

The game was reverting to the pattern of the first half but despite their efforts Welfare could not break through the resolute Barry defence and began making their own errors in their eagerness. Their aggression was also a concern as O'Sullivan was forced to leave the field following a cynical elbow and punch, unfortunately unseen by the referee.

Barry were immediately penalised and Welfare took the lead again starting  a phase of the game where Barry had to defend and this they did.Two huge try saving tackles kept the line intact after another penalty had taken Welfare to a 16 - 10 lead but Barry were really under the cosh.

Welfare went further ahead from a drop goal assisted by a Barry hand and now led 19 - 10.

Bary began to enjoy some much needed possession , but the Welfare defence was as unforgiving as Barry had been throughout the game foiling all Barry's efforts to get back into the game.

Again a long Welfare clearance sent Barry back near their own line and saw them steal the lineout and earn a penalty which at this stage gave them a lead of 12 points as the game entered it's final minutes.

There was still time for Barry to go on the attack and a promising forward drive took them close only to concede a penalty.

This proved to be the last move of the match and despite the defeat, the Barry effort cannot be faulted. against a side that did the basics very well and possessed a threequarter line full of pace.

Lessons need to be learnt in tactical awareness and game management but the team provided once again that they are a hard side to beat.

Next Saturday prior to the Wales v Australia game Barry entertain new League leaders Cilfyndd.Kick Off is planned for 2.30pm.

This could be altered due to the International so please ring the Club for latest news.

The Wales game will be on the big screen in the Club so come and join us and enjoy a beer or two.

The Lottery rolls over again this week after last weeks numbers of 14 - 16 - 17 and 22 were not matched. This weeks jackpot will be £7200.