SPORT | Rugby – Barry RFC start new season with a local derby:
Barry RFC kick off the new Admiral National League season on Saturday, 3rd September, with a local derby at Dinas Powys (2.30pm), looking to cement their place in Division One East, the club’s first full season at that level, after two years of Covid disruption.
The Bombers’ first season following promotion was halted after just 14 matches in March 2020. The pandemic ruled out the following season, and in a truncated 11-match 21-22 season, at one stage Barry went six weeks without a game as opponents were forced to call off.
The visit to Dinas Powys is the start of a run of nine league and cup matches on the bounce. “We’ve gone from one extreme to the other,” said head coach Liam Scott, “and we will have to manage training loads through that, look after the boys’ bodies. But I’m sure the players will prefer a lot more rugby this season.”
The challenge in the disrupted 21-22 season was maintaining fitness, as reduced levels increase the risk of injury. Scott has stressed the crucial importance of players maintaining their levels of fitness when they are not always able to attend training sessions.
“We know when we are fully fit we’re a very competitive side. We have a core of strong boys who can be very competitive. So it’s about getting those boys available as often as possible and on the field.”
The club will be setting monthly targets and reviewing progress month by month. “We will set a target of how many wins each month we want,” said Scott. “The start of the season will definitely be a challenge, but if we can get off to a good start, the momentum will build.”
With new faces Dan Davies from Llangwm, and Josh Trewartha from Rhiwbina, plus several very promising Youth team players to add to an established squad, Scott is optimistic that the club will field two senior sides this season, which will help maintain match fitness. He has around 60 players on the books, all challenging for first team places.
And, of course, kicking things off with a local derby is great motivator. The three derby games last season were close, well-contested affairs. “We have a lot of boys champing at the bit. It’s a healthy rivalry, and great motivation,” said Scott.
The challenge for everyone will be to maintain that level of motivation for the fixtures that follow.
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