Barry Youth comeback falls just short

Cardiff Rugby National Premiership

Glamorgan Star news 04/04/2024

1 minute read

Barry RFC Youth 22 Fairwater 24

BARRY played the entire second half a man down following skipper Joe Gatt’s sending off, but came desperately close to rescuing a game which looked lost at the break when they trailed 17-3.

Injuries and unavailability meant the Bombers were missing four key players, and it showed in the first half when Fairwater’s powerful scrum dictated play.

“We were outmuscled in the first half,” said head coach John Dimond. “Our normal game is to keep opponents moving and tire them out.

“Despite being down to 14, in the second half we decided to spread it and keep them on their toes, and we outscored them. Our fitness meant we were just too much for them, and they were panicking towards the end.”

Defeat means Barry’s challenge for honours is over, so Dimond is now looking to the future, and will almost certainly give some of the 16 age group opportunities in the two remaining fixtures.

The next one is away to Builth Wells on 13th April while a date for the postponed home fixture against Rhiwbina has yet to be arranged.

The club will be running a development side – a mix of senior and Youth players – in the Conference League next season, which will provide more regular game time for some of the younger players.

Caelan Hurley goes over by the posts as Barry fight back. Photo by Judith Dutton. — **| Caelan Hurley goes over by the posts as Barry fight back.** *Photo: Judith Dutton.*

Barry tries: Brandon Harris, Caelan Hurley, Ellis O’Grady; pen – Braydon Griffiths; conv – Griffiths (two).

*Barry’s Ruben Cummings, who now plays for Hartpury and Gloucester, was on the bench for Wales in their under-18 Six Nations Festival match against England in Parma. Wales led 35-29, but England snatched a 36-35 victory with a last-minute converted try.

Photo by Judith Dutton.