Fixture

Tries:         Hamonda (2), Robertson

Cons:        Barros (3/3)

Pens:         Barros (4/5)

Barry 2^nd XV travelled to Pontyclun more in hope than expectation for their second round tie in the East District Cup.

Coach Rhidian Scott and manager Ken Chow were forced to delve deep into their resources to piece a squad together following a long string of injuries and withdrawals.  As a result, hooker Dave Evans was converted into inside centre, Hywel Jones made his first start of the season, and there were promotions from the 3^rd XV for Lee Turnbull, Tom Poole, Jay Ashill and Joe Chucas.

Their hosts took the game right from the first whistle, attempting to break down the hastily assembled Barry side.  Despite the hurried preparations, however, the green-and-whites held firm with some resolute defending, led by the back-row trio of Callum Scott, Seb Vidal and Hywel Jones.

Kyle Barros, starting his first ever 2^nd XV game for Barry, marshalled forwards and backs alike superbly from scrum-half, and as the half wore on Barry were looking the more likely.

Pontyclun’s pressure looked to have told when they fashioned a break out wide, and just when their winger was odds-on to score, a superb covering tackle from Jones turned the ball over to sniff out the danger.

From the resultant scrum on the Barry line, Barros scavenged a loose ball and ran clear.  He passed expertly to Dylan Robertson, whom with acres of space in front of him, exploited it brilliantly before offloading to Mike Hamonda, whose pace was unrivalled as he scored his third try in two games.  Barros added the extras.

Stung, the hosts finally began to string some phases of play together to exert consistent pressure on the Barry line.  They were met by more obdurate defending but were rewarded eventually when they forced across the try-line, although there was a hint of knock-on in the build-up.  The conversion was missed.

Barros and his opposite kicker traded penalties before the interval to keep Barry 10-8 up at half-time.

Pontyclun upped the tempo after the break in an attempt to break their visitors down, and profited early on when they broke the Barry line to score under the posts for a converted try.

Bewildered by their loss of concentration and eager to make amends, Barry tried to hit back at their hosts immediately.  With the front row turning the screw at scrum time, coach Scott decided to introduce veteran Gerwyn Pugh into proceedings, switching the influential Barros to fly-half.

Afforded more space to operate on, Barros immediately fashioned an opportunity, exchanging passes with his midfield before setting Hamonda free out wide, and the latter’s pace did the rest.  Barros’ unerring boot gave Barry a 17-15 advantage.

Pontyclun seemed to be shell-shocked by that sucker-punch and began to lose discipline in their approach, and when the referee awarded Barry a penalty opportunity, Barros was on hand to increase Barry’s lead to five.

The home side finally got themselves together to gain some territory, but was unable to find any gaps in the watertight Barry defence despite pinning their visitors on the line.  When they eventually lost possession, Barros’ boot found touch some 60 yards back into Pontyclun territory, further deflating the hosts.

Another discretion from the home side meant that Barros had the chance to convert another penalty, an opportunity that he did not turn down to increase the Barry lead to eight.

Pontyclun seemed to run out of ideas as the clock ticked away, and it was fitting that Barry who seemed more likely.  Indeed, Barros would stroke over another penalty in the dying embers of the game, but there was still time for one more score with the last play, with Robertson, now at full back, finding himself in space.  His chip-and-chase was executed to perfection, as he gathered his own kick to race away and score under the posts.  Fittingly Barros sent over the conversion with the last kick of the game to secure a 33-15 victory against all odds.

This was one of the most memorable victories for Barry this season and the management would like to thank all the players who took part for their effort and attitude.

Barry 2^nd XV return to league action next weekend against Rhiwbina at home, whilst 3^rd XV are away at Llanishen.

Team:  McCann; Poole, Evans, Hamonda, Peake; Robertson, Barros; Corne, Turnbull, Brooke; McTavish (c), Ashill; Vidal, Scott, Jones

Replacements:  Richards, Pugh, Chucas

Subs not used:  Fortt, Bailey

Man of the match:  Barros