Barry RFC 32 - Aberdare 30

ABERDARE, newly promoted this season, were the visitors at the Reservoir last Saturday and helped provide a highly competitive nine try feast which saw Barry clinch their first win of the season as they won by 32 points to 30.

As the scoreline suggests the result was in doubt until the final whistle but overall Barry just deserved it on the day.

It was the visitors who began the better where their open style of play caused problems for the Barry defence and it was no surprise when they took an early lead with an unconverted try. After taking a ball against the head Barry somehow contrived to lose the ball, and with the defence out of position Aberdare took advantage to score through some poor Barry tackling.

The visitors maintained the upper hand as Barry paid the price for some unforced errors but Barry's defence improved and avoided conceding any further points as the first quarter passed.

Barry were trying to open the game out themselves and things began to look promising as the solid scrum platform was giving the backs the chance to attack. Several forays into the visitors territory had come to nothing but finally they were rewarded when a break by Perry saw the home defence unable to stop his barnstorming run as he crashed over the line for a try which was converted by Lee to give them the lead.

Minutes later it was the visitors turn to score a try as a poor Barry clearance allowed them to scythe through the Barry defence to score easily, the conversion was unsuccessful.

This setback seemed to unhinge Barry as basic errors crept into their game allowing Aberdare to do what they did best, and attack from everywhere.

They were made to pay the price minutes later as a Barry clearance failed to make touch and let the visitors in for their third try again unconverted but a lead of 15 - 7.

As well as being dangerous on attack the Aberdare defence was equally as good and Barry were finding it difficult to break down despite several attempts.

It needed a fine 45 yard penalty from Lee to break the deadlock to reduce the deficit. At this stage the Barry scrum were getting the upper hand keeping the visitors on the back foot and defending in their own half.

Aberdare were forced to face three scrums near their line as Barry applied the pressure and on the last of these the recycled ball saw Evans cross for a well worked try which although unconverted brought the scores level right on half-time at 15 - 15.

It was hoped that with the breeze and slope in their favour and superiority up front Barry could make these advantages count as the second half began.

However what a second half the supporters of both sides were in for as both sides attacked and counter attacked for an exciting 40 minutes of rugby.

Aberdare were quickly into their stride running everything just as they had begun the game and threatened early on only to concede a penalty which took play into their 22. A scrum led to a lineout with the ball finding Williams whose deft pass saw White able to cross for a try which Lee converted with a fine kick.

Back came the visitors and they came close to scoring, only being stopped by a last ditch tackle into touch.

The sea saw match continued with a break from White being halted at one end whilst the visitors came close at the other.

Barry changed tactics for a while by using the forwards to drive and whilst not successful in terms of points had the desired effect of tiring the visitors pack which would prove valuable later.

The game had been played at a hectic pace throughout and this began to tell on players of both sides as substitutions were made.

Barry were now playing most of the game in the opponents half by playing a territorial game making Aberdare attack from deep. They were to go further ahead as they won a penalty which when kicked by Lee put Barry in the lead by 25 - 15 with only 12 minutes left.

This was reduced seconds later as Barry transgressed and Aberdare kicked the penalty, seven points the difference.

Barry back on attack following a penalty lost the ball and Aberdare countered reaching the 22 before spreading the ball to cross wide out for an unconverted try, two points was the difference with six minutes left.

From the kick-off Barry got a scrum and moved forward to create another scrum. With the visitors eight under extreme pressure Barry tightened the screw and forced Aberdare into conceding a penalty try which Lee converted to bring the score to 32 - 23 and only a couple of minutes to go.

The restart was not controlled by Barry and as the ball was lost forward Aberdare took advantage to score a converted try to bring the game to within two points as injury time was being played.

Aberdare were able to launch one last ditch attack as the restart didn't go 10 yards but with a final knock on the referee's whistle went to end an entertaining game of rugby which was a credit to both sets of players.

A tight game but a first all important win for Barry and one which will hopefully do their confidence some good.

Once again the sides character came through in a game in which it was really needed, and if games were measured by effort this group of players wouldn't lose many.

Another tough week away to Pontyclun next Saturday with a coach leaving the club at 12.30pm.

This week's lottery numbers were 6 ,7 ,8 and 15. No winners again so the jackpot rolls over to £2,660 this week.