Barry RFC will be playing Division One rugby in the Admiral League next season despite a narrow 24-21 defeat at Abercynon.
A late try from the promotion-chasing visitors snatched victory away from Barry at the Reservoir Field, although the disappointment was tempered by the news that both Rhiwbina and Porth Quins lost, ensuring the Bombers have avoided relegation with three matches left to play.
Barry turned in an excellent performance against one of the division’s leading teams.
“We’ve taken potential league winners down to the last few minutes,” said head coach Mike Morgan. “The feeling in the huddle was massive disappointment, another one that got away. That response is encouraging."
“But if we want to position ourselves comfortably in the league we have to see off these games. A few minutes to go, when we were still winning, we should have shut up shop, killed the clock. Instead we tried to overplay, and once Abercynon got the ball back, they kept it."
“It was one we lost rather than they won. With a team of young players at some point mistakes will be made and games lost. We don’t want to lose, but at times we did not box clever.”
Victor Corrihons scored twice in the first half as the players stuck to the game plan. The second try, Morgan felt, showed what Barry at their best are capable of. The ball was won at the lineout, the players went through the phases, breaking the gain line every time, and Tom Perry put in a superb grubber kick for Corrihons to finish off the move.
A brief wobble in the second half was swiftly corrected and Josh Edwards grabbed Barry’s third try - and with two conversions from Owen Rees, the Bombers stayed ahead until Abercynon struck late with their fourth try.
“The compliments from supporters were encouraging, despite the loss,” said Morgan. “It was difficult not to have the win, because winning becomes contagious. The challenge now is keeping the momentum going because we are safe.”
Barry’s next game is at Rhydyfelin on March 22nd, before the season ends with home games against Llanishen (April 5th) and St Joseph’s (April 12th).
Abercynon scorers:
Tries - Alex Hayman, Jack Davis, Dan Kathrens, Jordan Burke
Conversions - Lloyd Dennett 2
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Penarth remain a point clear at the top of Division One following a 87-10 demolition of a depleted Rhiwbina side, who ended up with just 13 men on the field as they finally conceded relegation.
St Josephs maintained the pressure on their title rivals with a 45-28 victory over Llanishen.
Elsewhere on St David's Day, Cowbridge remain on course for promotion from Division Two with just four games to go, after beating Pentyrch 47-27.
Llantwit Major seem destined for a mid-table finish to their maiden Division Three campaign following a 37-19 loss at Penygraig.
Dinas Powys continue to top the Division Four table after thrashing Ynysowen 45-5 with just one game to go - but their promotion hopes are fading with most of the league still having games in hand.
And in the WRU Women's Championship, Old Penarthians returned to action with a 20-15 defeat at Ynysddu.
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