Barry RFC celebrate rollercoaster Season

Barry RFC chairman Mike Prosser reflected on mixed fortunes on the field and much progress behind the scenes at the club’s well-attended annual dinner and awards night at The Memo.

The First XV, despite a much-improved try count, were relegated from Admiral National League Division One East Central, but the Youth and Junior teams enjoyed success, which augurs well for the future of the club.

“If we are honest,” he said of the First XV, “at key moments during key games we failed to turn the screw. If anybody thinks next year will be a walk in the park then your mindset is already on the wrong course. We have to work and train harder than previously. We must have key players in key positions training on a regular basis.”

The Youth team were Cardiff Region Division 2 champions. Watching some of their games, said Prosser, “only reinforced the fact that the club is fortunate to have such a talented pool of current Youth team players whose game management and on field commitment was second to none, which is testament to the players involved and the excellent coaching team.”

The club’s under-14s were runners-up in the Cardiff Bowl competition, and on tour in Devon were winners of an end of season tournament, achievements which earned the Team Management of the Year award for Joe McCann and his coaching team.

Behind the scenes, the groundwork has been laid for the provision of a 3G pitch at the club, along with the proposed re-development of the clubhouse and new gym facility. The club is now a multi-sport facility, with new football and rugby league sections.

“There is much work for the board of directors to do before the start of next season to ensure that the club is travelling in the right direction and above all else to take steps to ensure the club’s financial sustainability,” said Prosser.

He thanked the committee, the coaching teams and volunteers for all their efforts, and sponsors for their support. He also thanked Mike Bubbins “for coming along to entertain us and get the evening off with a bang. And a final thankyou to the players, at all age grade levels. You are the reason why this club exists and continues to thrive.

“We all are the custodians of Barry RFC, and it is important that we all pull together in the same direction to protect the future of the club, and above all else be respectful of our history and each other. Let’s all get on the Barry RFC bus and enjoy the journey.”