Barry shrugged off their pre-season preparation problems with a superb second-half display, scoring four tries on their way to a bonus-point victory, defying the odds that had been stacked against them.
Admiral National League Division 2 East Central
Llantwit Fardre 17 Barry RFC 29
A degree of ring rustiness was inevitable, with Barry’s three planned pre-season games all being called off. The Bombers went to Llantwit Fardre with a squad containing new players, and several young new players, to take on a team which already had two games under their belt.
The match-fit home side were 10-3 ahead at the interval, but had no answer to Barry’s second half display. “It took us a little while to find our second gear,” said head coach Mike Morgan, “but once we found our groove we were away.
“There were definitely moments of ring rustiness, and moments where we could improve. They needed opposition in front of them to test out what we had been doing. Llantwit Fardre have had two games, so they were match fit and we were going in very, very cold. But we came out very, very hot.
“As coaches we will be going to Veo and looking at where we can improve. But I’m not taking anything away from these lads. Not only was it our first game it was away as well. It couldn’t have been more difficult for us. You can’t really ask for more. But we will.”
The four tries, he said, came from a good mix between forwards and backs, with Barry’s young back line looking particularly sharp. In recent seasons the club has been bringing young talent through the pathway, and “we are starting to see the fruits of our labour. We’ve got young men, 18-year-olds stepping up into senior rugby and flourishing.”
Dan Taylor, previously at Penallta scored a try on his debut; Isaac Thomas scored following an interception and length of the field run; Josh Edwards and Alyn Evans, regular scorers last season, got the others. Morgan Prosser converted three to add to his first half penalty.
Barry, after relegation last season, have inevitably targeted a swift return to Division 1. “We’ve no illusions that this is a big year for us. We’ve got to win games, and win them with four tries. League points are vital,” said Morgan.
Pentyrch, who have lost their two opening games, are the visitors to the Reservoir Field for Barry’s first home league game on Saturday (2.30pm).
*Evan Prosser, previously a regular in the first team, who came up to senior rugby via the pathway, will be competing in a different league this season, having joined Limerick-based Bruff RFC, who play in the All-Ireland League Division 2.
“It’s an opportunity to experience rugby elsewhere, to play a bit of rugby in a different environment. But he will always be welcome back,” said Morgan.
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