BEDLINOG 3

BARRY 1ST XV 3

IN THE week's build-up to this top-of-the-table clash there was some doubt if it would be a contest at all because of the wet weather and a shortage of players.

Thanks to the availability of front row replacements Lee Turnbull, Lewis Barnett and coach Andrew Prosser, Barry were able to take the field without the need for it to be uncontested scrums.

Captain Matt Campbell welcomed new back row veteran' Andrew Morgan to the club as he emphasised the need for all players to take the opportunity to stand up and be counted.

On exiting the changing rooms players were greeted by a hailstone carpet on top of an already sodden pitch.

Barry's impressive effort in the closing stages of the Penarth game this time applied immediately from kick-off against the unbeaten division leaders.

Applying the tactics of ball in the air' for field position may not have been pretty to watch or much to the liking of the home supporters.

It was however extremely effective in putting the home on the back foot and constantly under pressure.

Full back Rhys Hardy notably put in some impressive high ball efforts and follow-ups. When the home side attempted to run the ball back, the previously untried centre combination of John Dimond and Owain Brown put them down in the midfield mud.

Bedlinog gave away a number of penalties but from resultant close range line outs their defence held firm. Difficult conditions underfoot saw outside half Chris Cummings narrowly fail with a couple of penalty attempts.

The deadlock was broken just before half time from a penalty against Barry that the referee deemed as a sin bin offence.

The pack then typified the season's defensive qualities by keeping the home forwards out for the remainder of the first half and the opening exchanges of the second.

As the pitch worsened the second half Barry players had the unenviable task of turning shirts inside out to become the Whites'.

Soon after Barry were back on equal terms as Cummings put over the most difficult of his penalty efforts, as reward for one of the rare times Bedlinog were penalised for numerous off side offences.

As identification of players became farcical, the home side at last changed into a new kit for the closing stages. Frantic attempts at drop goals by both sides proved futile.

The resultant draw was regarded as a defeat by the leaders as they lost their 100 per cent record, and a victory by Barry as they returned with a point to retain second place in the division.

The next fixture for the Firsts is at home this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm against Dowlais.

The Christmas raffle draw takes place in the evening and all players and members are reminded to return sold ticket stubs or unsold tickets (hopefully few) by then to the clubhouse.

Team v Bedlinog: R Hardy, P O'Sullivan, O Brown, J Dimond, J McCann, C Cummings, G Manning, J Haskell, L Williams, J Hollister, M Campbell (c), J Campbell, A Morgan, J Evans, H Jones. Subs: L Barnett, L Turnbull, A Prosser.

10:34am Thursday 7th December 2006

Print   Email this