Barry RFC's under 16s earned a hard-fought winning start to their Cardiff Cup campiagn, beating Llantwit Fardre 32-19.
The young Bombers - who are in a group including last year's runners-up Porth - were always ahead after taking an early lead.
The tone for a physical encounter was set in the first minute by prop Elijah Morgan with a thunderous tackle on his own 22.
This was followed by another strong tackle by No 8 Riley Hawkins. which allowed flanker Max O’Sullivan to jackal for an important early turnover. Outside half Lloyd Beer was able to clear the lines and Barry were able to establish some field position.
Once Barry started putting together some phases in the opposition half, they were rewarded with two quick scores from the impressive Hawkins for a 10-0 lead. But then penalties and yellow cards meant the Bombers had to produce some disciplined defence, with the visitors breaking through just once.
But at 10-5 ahead - and down to 14 players - Barry showed character by driving down to the other end, with Beer barging his way over and Charlie Hutton converting to go 17-5 up at the break.
Llantwit Fardre’s tactical kicking game resulted in a converted score for the visitors, but with 20 minutes left, a penalty for a high tackle saw Hutton add three points before going off injured.
Both sides added a try apiece, with Barry continued to play attacking rugby, which pleased the coaches, before hooker Jensen Wilding scored a fifth try for the hosts, converted by Beer.
The next group fixture is at CRICC on March 2nd, and victory would see Barry through to the quarter finals.
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