Plate heartbreak for young Bombers

Tuesday, 8 April 2025 11:57

By Ken Watkins

Flying wing Fin Saif scores Barry’s third try. Pics: Judith Dutton.

A disallowed late try saw Barry beaten 30-25 by Tonyrefail in the semi fnals of the Cardiff Cup's U16s Plate competition.

Caden O’Shea went over in the corner, but the score, which would have tied the game, was ruled out by a forward pass in the build-up.

Barry had started this game slowly at Merthyr, struggling to retain the ball, with Tonyrefail taking advantage to score twice for a 10-0 lead.

But, following a much-needed turnover by Max O’Sullivan, and a yellow card for Tonyrefail, the young Bombers got into the game.

An attacking lineout and several phases of strong carrying saw Riley Hawkins crash over, with Cam Hughes adding the extras.

Hughes followed up by trading penalties with the opposition and a further penalty and yellow card for Tonyrefail brought the scores level. But Tonyrefail edged ahead with a 35-metre drop goal just before half time.

The second half saw some excellent rugby, with both sides scoring two tries. Barry’s efforts came courtesy of Fin Saif and a second from Hawkins, leaving the score 30-25 in Tonyrefail’s favour with a few minutes to go.

But Barry’s delight when O’Shea touched down quickly turned to disappointment. They continued to push forward in search of the winning score, but a loose pass gave the ball back to Tonyrefail, who were able to see the game out.

“It was a great game of rugby that could have gone either way,” said head coach Peter O’Sullivan, “and against one of the strongest defences we’ve faced, we still managed to score 25 points and could have snuck it at the end."

“Unfortunately our slow start has cost us, but we couldn’t be more proud of the players, and their effort and commitment was outstanding.”

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