Fixture

Tries:  Russell (2), Perry

Pens:  Forrester

Barry 3^rd XV renewed their friendship with INEFC (Barcelona University) on a rain drenched Saturday morning at Reservoir Field.

Manager Frank Greig was forced to make some last minute changes after late withdrawals, as Paul MacArthur and Ian Davies were drafted in to give some extra experience in the back-line, with welcome returns for Nick Thomas and Lloyd Jones in the pack.  As tradition would dictate, 1^st XV players Brad White, Jamie Oaten and Hywel Jones would field for the visitors to ensure even numbers.

The visitors struggled to cope with the conditions early on, as Barry utilised the power of their pack.  Strong running from No. 8 Jones and Rob Williams created the platform for Barry to attack their Spanish opponents, resulting in a penalty in front of the posts.  Against all advice, Ashley Forrester decided to go for goal, and his decision, although unpopular, proved the correct one as he opened the scoring via his boot.

The difficult conditions underfoot were creating problems for both sides, most notably with handling in the three-quarters.  Incredibly, the Catalan side began to cope better as the half wore on, and their doggedness in the contact area was rewarded when White cut a fine line to cross for a try.  The conversion was missed.

Buoyed by their success, the visitors pressed on and created another try-scoring opportunity, but this time the ball was knocked on before grounding, and at half time the score was 5-3.

A reconstructed back-line for Barry was the spark of the comeback, as the home side dominated proceedings right from kick-off.  A strong run from substitute Dominic Busuttil created the space, and his offload found Matt Russell who raced through to score in the corner.  Forrester failed to add the extras.

Conditions continued to deteriorate but this time Barry adapted better to it, and Barry opened up a lead via tries from Tom Perry and Russell, both left unconverted.

As the game drew to a close the visitors pressed on one last time for a consolation score, and that duly came at the death, as they created a well-worked try in the corner.

On the day, Barry might have been victorious but once again rugby was the real winner.

Barry 2^nd XV return to league action next weekend with Dinas Powis their visitors, whilst 3^rd XV host Pentyrch.

Team:  Leech; MacArthur, Mathews, Peake, Davies; Bailey, Forrester ©; Hall, Leighton Jones, Fortt; Thomas, R Williams; Harris, Morris, Lloyd Jones

Replacements:  Quigley, Fogg, Scott, J Williams, Russell, Perry, Busuttil, W Jones, Chow

Man-of-the-match:  R Williams