Fixture

BARRY RFC travelled to Lydney last Saturday in their final pre-season friendly before the league season kicks-off with a visit to local rivals Dinas Powys.

As is usual in these games the match rustiness is obvious and it took some time for Barry to settle down against a well organised side that presented problems from the kick-off.

Unfortunately the game was brought to an abrupt end in the second half following a serious injury to Barry's Mark Devine which required the services of an air ambulance before transferring to Bristol Hospital.

Barry RFC are happy to report that whilst Mark has suffered severe injuries to his leg, he remains upbeat with the message that he will be back by Christmas.

The club also wish to record their thanks to physio, Frank Greig, and also his Lydney counterpart for their professionalism during the long wait for help to arrive.

It was Lydney who applied the early pressure when they scored a try within a few minutes of the kick-off from a miss throw at a line-out that split the Barry defence to give them the lead.

Barry came back into the game from the restart and a drive which saw them into the visitors 22 ended with an unfortunate knock-on.

With both sides finding their feet the game ebbed and flowed from end to end and secure defence from both sides together with some unforced errors saw chances few and far between.

Barry continued to probe and a fine break from Perry looked likely to end in a score but the move was halted short of the line.

As half-time approached Lydney began to exert some forward pressure up front and only stalwart defence saved Barry as they faced three scrums within yards of their line only to concede at the fourth occasion as the home side took a 12 point lead.

Once again Barry came back and scored a good try as a forward drive from the home side broke down the ball found Scott who cleverly kicked into space and with the defence unable to control the ball Knapman showed electric pace to outstrip everyone to score with Scott making the conversion, Barry were back in the game on half-time.