Fixture

By Andy Jamieson

 

With the turkey now curried, it was back to League action for Barry last saturday as they faced local rivals Dinas Powys at the Reservoir Field.

A good crowd gathered anticipating a tight encounter after Barry's last gasp win in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and both sides needing a win to put their season back on track.  They were not to be disappointed as again this game went down to the wire, with Barry winning the game in the final seconds by 18 - 13.

Both teams were cautious in the opening minutes with the boot not the hands controlling the game as they sparred for an early advantage.

Dinas drew first blood as Barry were caught offside with the penalty kicked for a 3 point lead.

Barry found themselves on the attack from a series of penalties and quick ball from the scrum saw the ball reach Chris Lockyer on the wing with plenty to do.  Deft change of pace and direction took him through defenders to cross for a fine individual try, and despite the conversion being missed Barry had taken the lead at 5 - 3.

Dinas began to expand their game and tested the Barry defence with some good work by their backs, but Barry held firm.

Barry turned defence into attack from a scrum with a break by Alyn Evans being rewarded with a penalty which Kyle Barross calmly kicked to put them into an 8 - 3 lead as the clock ran down.

That should have been the half time score but some poor decisions by Barry put the team under pressure forcing them to concede a penalty which Dinas gratefully took to bring them to within two points as the half ended.

An early penalty to Dinas saw them into the home 22 with Barry having to defend at both lineout and scrums.Futher penalties were conceded close to the line as the referees patience ran out finally awarding a penalty try to the visitors and an important 13 - 8 lead.

The game became scrappy as both teams made errors and chances were limited and even Barry's attempts to get territorial advantage were thwarted by some poor decision making.

They did finally get into the visitors 22 and a blindside move looked likely to produce a score only for the final pass to go astray.

Maintaining the pressure and having brought on fresh legs in the pack Barry gained a 5m lineout. Winning the ball it somehow found Sam Bowditch who crashed through to cross for the try but with the conversion missed the game was level pegging at 13 points each and not long to go.

Still playing for territory Barry's kicking was inaccurate to say the least which saw them continually pegged back and having to regroup.

They finally got into the visitors 22 as Dinas conceded two quick penalties which saw them win 5m line out.

Having won the ball the Barry drive was being held, they needed some help and it came in the form of the whole back division as they joined the scrum to drive Dinas over their line where Alyn Evans got the touchdown, the conversion was missed but Barry had put themselves ahead by 18 - 13 with the referee looking at his watch.

Barry held firm in the time left and the joy and relief on both players and supporters faces was obvious to see, none more so than Coach Liam Scott.

As expected a hardfought contest and typical local derby but a vital win for Barry.

Things dont get any easier next week as Barry travel to Mountain Ash next Saturday, a side in the top four of the League..

A coach will leave the Club at 12.30pm.

The Lottery jackpot increases to £1100 this week after last weeks numbers 06 - 11 - 20 and 24 failed to find a winner.

One ticket matched 3 numbers to claim £10.