Fixture

Visiting Gilfach Goch in their latest League fixture, Barry held high hopes that their recent form would see them keep the momentum going as they they sought their third win on the trot.

For the first quarter of the game this looked highly unlikely as they started slowly, showing little of the skills that had been apparent recently and were second best in all facets of the game as the home side controlled the game.

Within this period Barry conceded a try and a penalty to go eight points behind and things were looking ominous as Barry struggled.They were fortunate not to be further behind as Gilfach wasted two kickable penalty opportunities, but at least the Barry defence was working and despite territorial pressure Gilfach were unable to inflict more damage.

Perhaps it was the arrival of the sunshine but Barry suddenly upped their game and were able to get a pattern into their play.  A break from Brad White took Barry into home territory for perhaps the first time and whilst the resultant penalty was missed they were to score from the restart.  With the ball going straight out Barry won the scrum back on the 22 and attacked where a chip into the heart of the defence saw Gilfach fail to control the ball allowing Tiernan Scott to cross for the try which went unconverted.

With confidence building Barry attacked again from the restart and were awarded an immediate penalty calmly kicked by Einan Scott to level the scores.

However they were to go behind minutes later as they failed to gather the restart to concede a penalty to put Gifach back in front.

Again straight from the kick off Barry were level again with a further Scott penalty, and as the half ended had begun to get their game sorted out and looked the better side.

The second half began as the first had with the home side on the attack but getting little change from the well organised Barry defence and it was the visitors who drew first blood.

From a lineout Barry launched an attack which saw Perry make a break to breach the defence and when halted saw Luke O'Sullivan on hand to cross for a good try converted by Scott to put Barry 7 points clear.

Penalties took Gilfach close to the Barry line where they attempted to drive but a turnover relieved the pressure.

Again Gilfach tried to drive the lineout and as Barry transgressed they kicked the penalty to reduce the lead.

Although they lost their lineout Barry went further ahead as they countered the Gilfach attack and got a penalty which Scott kicked.

Breaks from White and Alyn Evans gave Barry territory which came to nothing but the home side still looked dangerous when in possession.With both sides cancelling each other out the game became a bit scrappy for a while but it was again Barry who got the next score as Gilfach were penalised following a bout of handbags with Scott successful with the kick for a ten point lead.

Barry could not collect the kick off  and were penalised to allow Gilfach to reach the Barry line, but a fine lineout steal saw them clear their lines. Owain Poole came on to replace Callum Scott as Barry launched another attack which was illegally halted and saw Gilfach down to thirteen men and Barry close to their line.

After recycling the ball twice, a try seemed to be on,it was, but  scored by Gilfach as they intercepted the elaborate pass to go the length of the field to score a converted try and it was game on with the score at 24 - 21 in Barry's favour with still a fair time to go.

Barry had to suffer a period of constant pressure as Gilfach looked for the next score but credit to Barry the team worked tirelessly in defence and finally managed to clear the danger.

The pressure relieved, Barry went back on the attack and after losing the ball in contact but somehow regaining it the ever present O'Sullivan was on hand to cross for his second try which went unconverted but meant the home side needed to score twice for the lead.

Barry were now dominant against a tiring opposition and continued to attack through the forwards. Finding themselves within metres of the try line they retained possession as they drove over with Dave Taylor getting the touchdown but the conversion failed.

This proved to be the last play of the game and gave Barry a hard earned bonus point win by 34 points to 21 and sees them move to sixth in the table.

Overall a good performance after the early struggle but it was pleasing to see the belief they have as a squad even when not playing well and todays performance was proof of that.

However it would be good if home supporters encouraged the team when things are not going to plan and not critcise which unfortunately was the case this week.

The next 1st XV game is away at Abercynon on the 12th November.

No winner was found in the Lottery this week the numbers were 03 - 04 - 08 and 20. This weeks jackpot will be £2840.

Some tickets are still available for the Autumn Internationals, anyone interested should contact Colin Ham on Barry 405726.