Barry
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Promotion joy for Barry
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 their
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 for 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
46 Issue 86
went against Barry with the referee finally deciding to award
a penalty try.
Now into the final fifteen 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 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 club are now actively recruiting for the new season
and want to take this opportunity to give thanks to the club for
its ongoing support and look forward to the new season and
pushing on to achieve supporting all members from creche to
vets. #oneclub #bombers