Rugby: Barry play on despite missing 27 players
Admiral National League Division One East Central
Barry RFC 7 Rumney 60
BARRY RFC’s makeshift side, hit by injuries and unavailability, was on the receiving end of a big score for the third week running as the league leaders Rumney maintained their 10-point advantage at the top, with 10 tries.
Barry, with 27 players ruled out, struggled from the off. But, once again to their immense credit, they stayed in the fight throughout when they could so easily have rolled over.
It would have been easy for Barry to decide not to play, concede the game, and a 20-0 scoreline, an approach other clubs have taken. “We’re better off playing the game,” said head coach Liam Scott. “This gives some of the players a chance to play, and we get to find out what they can do. There are always benefits to playing the game.”
Scott has not been able to field the same 15 two weeks running, the inevitable unfamiliar pairings leading to errors which Rumney were not slow to exploit.
“I can’t fault the heart of the players,” said Scott. “We spoke about not giving up the fight, getting small wins throughout the game. When you’ve got 27 unavailable players, at any level, you are going to struggle.
“The positive side is the boys stuck in, came through, kept trying, and it resulted in a well-deserved try.”
Rumney ran the ball at every opportunity, their speedy backs exploiting gaps in defence. “There was a clear difference in level between the teams from the off,” said Scott. “There’s a reason why they are top of the league.”
Barry briefly threatened in the first half, and got the ball over the line, only for the referee to rule it held up. But the traffic throughout was largely the other way, before Barry finally applied a bit of late pressure, Dom Busuttil scoring following a pick and go in the 79th minute, Aled Rees converting. No consolation, but it underlined the positive attitude.
Barry have five games left to play as the season, originally due to end on 29th April, stretches into mid-May. They are next in action at St Peter’s on Saturday. The home fixture against Porth Quins has been moved from Tuesday, 25th April to Tuesday, 9th May. It will be the last home game of the season.
Ken Watkins
Read next:
- Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
- Sofia so good for Barry’s Alfie
- Pencoed RFC survive fightback for home win
- Barry RFC are on song against Pentyrch
- Penarth are stunned by visitors’ 5-0 win
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
