BARRY Youth reached the quarter-final in the transition festival at the Reservoir Field on Saturday, 6th September, which saw 12 teams competing, playing 30-minute games.
Following some late withdrawals, the competition was split into four groups of three teams, with Barry finding themselves in a tough group with tournament favourites St Albans and Championship side Brecon.
Barry watched the first group game, which saw St Albans overpower Brecon 17-0. The favourites then took on Barry, and after a physical opening 10 minutes, a well-worked backs move saw Tom Provis touch down, and then add the extras for the hosts.
Barry picked up knocks and had to replace captain Rhys Behrens (hip), Maverick Jennings (ankle) and Charlie Hutton (ankle) for the second half, leaving just two fit substitutes. The Buns were able to change their entire team.
Barry battled, but St Albans exploited a defensive mix-up to score five minutes from time. At 7-5, Barry looked like hanging on, but a penalty with the last kick of the game saw the Buns home 8-7.
The final group game saw Barry take on Brecon, and with the forwards more than matching a big Brecon pack, the backs had plenty of ball to show what they could do in the dry conditions. Scores from Lloyd Beer, Isaac Thomas, Tom Provis and full back Austin Caffrey (the pick of the bunch) saw Barry winning 22-12.
In the quarter-final against group 2 winners St Peter’s, Barry’s walking wounded put in a tremendous shift, but unfortunately with injuries and the amount of rugby it proved to be one game too far, Barry losing 14-0 after pushing St Peter’s all the way.
The coaches were really proud of the lads, following a long day going toe to toe with the best teams around with a relatively small squad. Peter O’Sullivan said: “We toughed it out up front and scored some incredible tries out wide against tough opposition. This will give us confidence heading into the new season, starting with a home game against Beddau next week.”
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