BARRY RFC’s WRU Plate fixture at Cowbridge on Saturday was called off at the last minute following the non-appearance of the match referee, and the host club’s frantic efforts to find a replacement proved in vain.
Both teams, coming into the game off the back of good victories a week earlier, had completed their pre-match warm up, but were then initially advised that the start would be delayed. Twenty minutes later, the decision to call it off was taken.
“It’s a local derby,” said Barry head coach Liam Scott. “Two Vale teams coming up against each other. It’s disappointing for 40 rugby players today and for a good crowd who had come to watch.”
This was the second time a scheduled Plate match between the two clubs failed to take place. Barry had to call off their home fixture on August 21, injuries and unavailability meaning the Bombers were unable to field a team.
This second cancellation leaves Barry with a problem. After their final group game at Dinas Powys on Saturday (September 18), it’s almost two months to the start of the league season on November 13, and Barry have just two matches scheduled for October.
It’s not certain whether either match against Cowbridge can be rearranged, so Barry will be looking to arrange other games to generate momentum going into the season.
Barry start the league season with a visit to Ynysybwl, and follow that with a home match against Treorchy (November 27). In both fixtures Barry will be looking for revenge for defeats in the 2019-20 season.
By Ken Watkins
