Sport – Barry under-16s come so close in semi final thriller

DISALLOWED try in the closing minutes of the game meant a disappointing defeat for Barry.

Caden O’Shea went over in the corner, but the score, which would have tied the game, was ruled out by a forward pass in the build-up.

Barry had started this game slowly at Merthyr, struggling to retain the ball. Tonyrefail took advantage to score twice for a 10-0 lead. But, following a much-needed turnover by Max O’Sullivan, and a yellow card for Tonyrefail, Barry got into the game.

An attacking lineout and several phases of strong carrying saw Riley Hawkins crash over, with Cam Hughes adding the extras. Hughes followed up by trading penalties with the opposition, and a further penalty and yellow card for Tonyrefail brought the scores level. But Tonyrefail edged ahead with a 35-metre drop goal just before the interval.

The second half saw some excellent rugby, both sides scoring two tries, Barry’s courtesy of Fin Saif and a second from Hawkins, leaving the score 30-25 in Tonyrefail’s favour with a few minutes to go.

But Barry’s delight when O’Shea touched down quickly turned to disappointment. They continued to push forward in search of the winning score, but a loose pass gave the ball back to Tonyrefail, who were able to see the game out.

“It was a great game of rugby that could have gone either way,” said head coach Peter O’Sullivan, “and against one of the strongest defences we’ve faced, we still managed to score 25 points and could have snuck it at the end.

“Unfortunately, our slow start cost us, but we couldn’t be more proud of the players, and their effort and commitment was outstanding.”

.

• 
  Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
• 
  Sofia so good for Barry’s Alfie
• 
  Pencoed RFC survive fightback for home 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