Fixture

Barry finally clinched a well earned promotion to Division 1 after a tense encounter with relegation threatened Taffs Well on Saturday.

Needing a win to maintain pressure on promotion rivals, Barry did all they could do coming away with a 40 - 34 victory.

As news filtered through that Cilfynydd had lost, the celebrations on the field began in earnest as they revelled in their achievement.

Early penalties were exchanged in the opening minutes as Taffs had the better of the period,but a smart Barry break from a penalty saw Brad White cross for the opening try with Kyle Barros adding the extras and a 10 - 3 lead.

Barry maintained the pressure and were rewarded with another Kyle Barross penalty stretching the lead to be added to minutes later with a kick from near the half way line.

Taffs came back with a penalty of their own and got themselves into the Barry 22 for a series of scrums which proved fruitless as Barry held them to finally get a penalty which cleared the lines.Attacking from the lineout Barry earned another penalty with Kyle Barross again successful to keep the scoreboard ticking over as the lead stretched to 19 - 6 with the half drawing to a close.

The remaining minutes saw no further scores added.

The second half saw Barry come out with all guns blazing and get an early try as Tom Perry broke through the defence to score giving Kyle Barross an easy conversion.

The game continued to be an open affair but it was Taffs who were to get the next score from a scrum break to cross for a converted try reducing the deficit to 13 points.

The restart saw James Hadfield regather the kick to break, finding Einan Scott in support who cleverly chipped over the defence to score the try. The conversion by Kyle Barross left the score at 33 - 13.

Desperate to get back into the game Taffs found themselves some territory and camped in the Barry 22.A series of penalties went against Barry with the referee finally deciding to award a penalty try.

Now into the final 15 minutes, Barry again took control from the restart as they worked their way close to the home line to earn a lineout.Setting up a drive, the ball reached Alyn Evans to score the try and Kyle Barross the conversion now giving a score 40 - 20.

That  appeared to seal the victory, but Taffs had other ideas as they looked to get something from the game.

Barry knocked on the restart and Taffs heavier scrum got to work forcing Barry to concede the penalty. Driving the lineout the stubborn Barry defence was unable to hold on as Taffs crossed for a converted try.

Now in the final couple of minutes and perhaps hearing that promotion was theirs Barry were to concede a further converted try with the conversion being the last kick of the game with Taffs last minute efforts earning them the points they needed.

A wonderful end to what has been a long hard season for Barry and fully deserved. Congratulations to the whole squad for their committment and to John and Liam for for finally seeing the project they began five years ago come to fruition,at times it's not been easy.

Celebrations began at Taffs Well who we thank for their generous hospitality, and then late into the night back home.

A well earned break for players and coaches now, but I'm sure thoughts are turning to the fresh challenges next season holds.

The Lottery rolls over again this week after last weeks numbers of 03 - 13 - 15 and22 failed to produce a winner.Two tickets claimed the £10 prize.This weeks jackpot will be £4250