Barry RFC earned their first win of the Admiral League season with a convincing 33-14 victory over Rhwibina.
The Bombers produced an impressive all-round display, dominant in the scrum, penetrative in attack, and resolute in defence when it was needed.
Saturday’s convincing victory lifted Barry off the bottom of the Division One East Central table.
Victory in this basement scrap against fellow strugglers Rhiwbina was vital, as coach Tomos Perry acknowledged after the game. “If we hadn’t got the five points today, and Rhiwbina nothing,” he said, “it would have made our life very hard. It is tight at the bottom.”
A spell in the second half apart, when Rhiwbina inevitably came back hard after trailing 21-0 at the interval, the Bombers were generally the better side, with the win providing the much-needed confidence boost for Barry after a difficult start to the season.
“That’s the best performance I have seen in a very long time,” said Perry. “Everything we told them from the sidelines they did."
"We spoke about not giving Rhiwbina easy territory, no unnecessary turnovers, no stupid penalties. The defence was brilliant, and I’m happy that the backs backed themselves today.”
Both sides lost a player to a harsh red card, when yellow would probably have been enough - yet both Rhiwbina's Owen Parry (28') and Barry's Rhys Powell (35') were deemed to have illegally lifted an opponent
Barry’s first two tries from Marcus Reid (12') and Evan Prosser (20') were carbon copies - the dominant scrum providing the platform with quick hands setting up the opening and the scorers powering through despairing tackles.
Owen Rees converted both before getting on the scoresheet himself, taking advantage of a Rhiwbina error, picking up the loose ball and darting through. He added the extras to give Barry a healthy interval lead.
Rhiwbina hit back through Danny Murphy after 43 minutes with Cameron Pike converting. But Barry restored their lead in the 50th minute as Jake Williams’ kick ahead and chase put pressure on the visitors’ line and Alyn Evans drove over for the bonus point try.
Pike scored and converted Rhiwbina’s second try after 57 minutes, but the last word went to Barry in the 78th minute, with the scrum providing the platform for the backs to send Jack Davies away to score under posts. Aled Rees added the extras.
This victory, the first match in what Perry calls “a triple header”, has to be a springboard for further success if Barry are to ease their way out of trouble.
After five matches, the bottom four are adrift and the Bombers now face consecutive away games against the other two members of that group, Porth Harlequins on November 2nd and Abercwmboi on November 9th.
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Elsewhere, Penarth are safely installed in mid-table having won four of their opening five Division One games, including Saturday's 45-31 victory over Porth Harlequins at the Athletic Ground.
But Cowbridge lost their 100% record - and the chance to go top of Division Two - after a 36-29 defeat to early leaders Caerphilly.
In Division Four, Dinas Powys remain 2nd after beating Treherbert 33-15 to record their fourth win of the season so far, while in Division Five, Old Penarthians won 39-30 at home to Hirwaun.
In the WRU Women's Cup, Old Penarthians suffered a first round exit at home to Burry Port, going down 56-39.
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Welsh Cup: Llantwit out on penalties
Fishlock in Wales squad despite injury concerns
Barry pull off comeback win over Robins
Bombers' winless streak continues
Adran Premier: three in a row for Barry
Ollie strikes again - as Barry beat Briton Ferry
Fenix Trophy: Berchem take Llantwit by storm
Young Bombers beaten by Aberdare
Adran Premier: Barry hit Archers for five
Vale rugby teams set out on cup trail
Nine-man Llantwit hold on for draw
Vale clubs out of FAW Trophy
