WITH both Barry’s under-16s and Youth teams involved in cup matches, and several other players unavailable, selection for Barry’s under-17s development squad for this friendly was limited, making it a tough game against strong and well-drilled opponents.
The aim of development matches is to integrate the under-16s and first year Youth players, ready for youth rugby the following season. But despite all the unavailabilities, Barry were able to field a competitive side, which augurs well for next season.
The coaching team of Peter O’Sullivan, Rhodri Thomas and James Hadfield, who will be running the Youth team next season, told the boys, who had had one training session prior to the match, to go out and express themselves and throw a few early shots.
Barry certainly did that, with a well-executed backs’ move following a lineout resulting in Noah Williams, usually a back row but filling in at full back, rounding things off with a score in the corner.
St Albans’ big pack then got on top, and repeated penalties resulted in Barry being camped on their own line, which they defended heroically, but they conceded three tries before the interval.
The second half was more cagey, with heavy rain and a slippery ball causing problems for both teams, and the whistle dominating proceedings.
After a fourth try from the Buns, it would have been easy for the young Barry team to throw in the towel, but most pleasing from the coaches’ point of view was the attitude shown by the players.
Following a period of pressure on the St Albans, line, centre George Strong was rewarded for his powerful carrying and never give up attitude with Barry’s second score.
Ken Watkins
Photos by Judith Dutton.
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