Fixture

Tries:         Hollister (2), Miles, Jones, Ryan

Cons:        Scott

Barry 2^nd XV returned to action with a tough away trip to defending champions Rhiwbina.

The preparations for coach Rhidian Scott and manager Ken Chow were rocked by numerous withdrawals and players failing to turn up, leading to last minute alterations with the team. 

The disruptions, however, had little effect on a Barry side determined to avenge last season’s heavy defeat by the same opponents, as the visitors set out to play an expansive game which Rhiwbina failed to get to grips with.

The front row of Gareth Hall, Sion Vidal and James Hollister were proving to be dominant at the set piece, and direct running from Dominic Busuttil and Wayne Jones in midfield caused havoc in the home defence.

After Tiernan Scott had seen two efforts disallowed controversially by the referee, Barry finally opened the scoring when Hollister crashed through from close range.  Danny Ryan failed to add the extras.

Barry looked to be well in control but indiscipline in the contact area gave the hosts an opportunity to kick a penalty into the corner.  The resultant line-out was expertly recycled for them to score the equalising try; the conversion meaning that they took the lead.

Unrattled and confident with their own game plan, the green-and-whites slowly cranked up the pressure on the home defence again using their strong runners, with Rob Williams and Scott to the fore.

Their patience was rewarded when John Miles sniped in from close range to regain the lead.  Scott failed to add the extras.

Despite playing against a strong wind in the first half Barry had more than held their own, and their industry was further rewarded on the stroke of half time, when a quick tap penalty found Jones who sauntered through to score under the posts.  Scott added the extras.

Barry would continue to dominate in the second half in both set piece and open play, and it was a matter of time before they added their fourth try to secure a bonus point.

Determined running from Jordan Clarke pierced the Rhiwbina defence, and the ball was recycled quickly by scrum half Rhidian Mepham, with the ball going through the hands before Ryan finished expertly in the corner.  The conversion was missed.

Barry by now were rampant and with more pressure put on the home defence, Hollister bagged his second try as his momentum proved unstoppable.

Rhiwbina did manage a consolation try at the death with Barry down to fourteen men following a yellow card, but this did little to dampen the spirits of players and management alike with the final score 27-12.

Barry 2^nd XV return to action next weekend with St Josephs their visitors.

Team:  Mepham; Clarke, Busuttil, Jones, Ryan; Scott, J Williams ©; Hall, Vidal, Hollister; Deyes, R Williams; Miles, Devine, Moyle

Replacements:  Thomas, Oaten, Perry, Adams

Man-of-the-match:  Scott