Fixture

Veni, Vidi, Victus Sum.

 

(Apologies to Miss Pople, my Latin Teacher in Cardiff High -  Caecilius est pater- is about all I remember)

Indeed. We came, we saw and we were conquered (replacing we for JuliusCaesar’s I -for the Latin literate amongst you). At the Quins we used to say it was never over until the referee turned up (which he did) and no sign of Montserrat Caballé (difficult I appreciate) it was time for kick off.

Take your pick of sayings but it was one of those days. After the high of the Cilfyndd win it was a very long way down to today’s result. The first five minutes Llanishen looked good but then Barry’s powerful pack and strong running backs took over.

On twelve minutes the defence was opened up and a try was scored under the posts. Strangely the Seconds had opened the scoring against St. Joes a few minutes before, courtesy of Elian, and it was a pattern that was to repeat itself through the half.

With Kieran scoring a second try for the Lions IIs it was time for Barry to score and two minutes later they did. Tackling too high allowed the Barry forwards to generate forward momentum and take them over the line.

Barry’s kicking out of hand was impressive giving the wind they were playing into and when Adam Payne scored for the Twos it only took a minute before Barry scored their third try.

What’s this? St Joes scored a converted try so it’s our turn now. Well we didn’t manage a try but a penalty put us on the scoreboard but the half ended with Barry pounding our line and only desperate defence kept them out. The Barry team were held up over the line and the whistle blew for half time.

Half Time: Barry 21 Llanishen 3

(With the Seconds leading 21-14 the inverse score link appeared to have gone and so it was to prove)  

As with the first half the team started well but playing into a strong wind and up the hill was going to be very difficult. The Lions held out for ten minutes but the Barry forward drives in the loose and from line outs was impressive and they were able to dictate the tempo of the game.

It was, therefore, no surprise when they scored their bonus point try after ten minutes of the half. It was followed up immediately with a fifth try from the kick off.

There was no lack of effort but injuries and the direct running meant a sixth try was scored with ten minutes left and a final try, all impressively converted, scored to end the game.

Congratulations to Barry, a side that could well push on and be promoted.

 

Full Time: Barry 49 Llanishen 3

A day to forget for the Ones but not so for the Seconds who ran out winners 36-31 (courtesy of tries by: Chappers and, according to those there, the try of the season. Step forward Harri Duffy – converted prop). Well done lads great effort – You are top of the League for a reason! (scored 370 points in 13 games – average over 28 points a game).

For the Ones a time to lick wounds and get back on the horse. Training Tuesday will no doubt focus on the defence frailties that were evident today in complete contrast to the fantastic defensive effort against Cilfyndd.