Barry Youth's defence proved the key as they beat Rhiwbina 10-7 in a top-of-the-table clash in the Cardiff Rugby South 1 League.
A determined and stubborn display, particularly in the closing minutes, proved the key to securing a valuable and deserved narrow victory for the young Bombers at Caedlyn Park.
Barry had to repel wave after wave of red zone attacks from the hosts as they defended their three-point lead, and holding out superbly until a penalty gave them possession, and the ball was swiftly booted out to end the game.
Uncontested scrums from the start as Rhiwbina did not have enough front row specialists, a heavy pitch, and some baffling official decisions made this something of a stop-start game.
"It was not the prettiest game we’ve had all year," said head coach Peter O’Sullivan, "and we made it hard for ourselves at times with silly little offsides, although generally the discipline was good."
He praised his forwards, who overcame the challenge of passive scrums, and losing key player Mav Jennings with a foot injury after 30 minutes which reduced the effectiveness of their lineout.
“Every single forward stood up today, and the effort from the pack is why we won the game,” said O’Sullivan, who named captain and hooker Rhys Behrens is man of the match.
“George Strong and Riley Hawkins deserve a mention for their carrying, Morgan Beasley at 9 and Marley Paines-Lang, making his first start at 10, controlled a very difficult game, and did a really good job,” said O’Sullivan, who had words of praise for his entire squad.
Barry ended a scrappy first half 3-0 ahead, with Tom Provis converting a last-minute penalty, but they squandered another penalty opportunity early in the second half, opting to chase a try.
It proved a costly decision when ten minutes in, Rhiwbina cleared their lines and capitalised on a defensive error for Griff Storer to score, with Tom Sturdy adding the extras.
But Barry replied 15 minutes later, WITH an uncontested scrum close to the goal-line proving the platform for Provis to burst clear and score, and then add the extras. Rhiwbina, inevitably, came back, but Barry dug deep and kept them out.
“When we needed to be we were very strong, relentless, and we kept them out at the end,” said O’Sullivan, enjoying a revenge victory after two defeats at the hands of the Squirrels earlier in the season.
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Barry Athletic, the second team, enjoyed a hard-fought 29-all friendly draw at home to Cardiff University Law. The team's matches are a key stepping stone as the club works towards regular rugby as part of the wider senior set-up.
Meanwhile, Barry RFC is holding an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday 11th February (7pm) to inform club members about proposed changes to the governance of the club and progress on the 3G pitch project.
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