DIVISION 2 EAST CENTRAL
BARRY .......................... 23 PONTYCLUN ................. 7
BUOYED by three consecutive victories, one of which was against Barry at home on January 14, Pontyclun travelled to the seaside town full of optimism for this Division 2 East Central clash.
However, despite enjoying more than their fair share of both possession and territory, they suffered a setback in their quest to steer themselves away from the relegation places.
Had they taken advantage of the numerous opportunities they created, a fourth win in a row could have been secured but the home side took advantage of their profligacy and scored the points on offer when the opportunities presented themselves.
Barry opened the scoring when a break from open play resulted in a try under the posts and the extra points were added from the conversion. Pontyclun then pressed for a long period, without success, but it was Barry who increased their lead via two penalty kicks and went in at half-time sporting a 13-0 lead.
A good start to the second half by the Badgers ended with a fine try from winger Jacob Dennis, who danced along the touchline and squeezed over wide out, despite the at- tention of several Barry defenders. Nicky Theaker struck an excellent conversion to put Pontyclun back in contention.
Once again though, persistent pressure did not result in further scores and numerous chances were lost owing to wrong options being taken and a few misplaced passes. When openings were created, they were met with spirited defending and once more a break out by Barry resulted in another penalty, which was con- verted, to stretch the lead to 16-7.
The Badgers responded vigorously and were awarded several penalties but they turned down the shots at goal in an attempt to secure tries.
In hindsight they could have followed the example of the home side, in taking the points when on offer but decisions are made in the heat of battle and the opportunities were passed by. Barry then added salt to the wounds by scoring their second converted try and that was that on the day.
Pontyclun were certainly worthy of at least a losing bonus point and on another day, a victory but they must now regroup for the “business end” of the season when the promotion and relegation places will be decided. Seven games remain between now and the scheduled end of the season, with two of those fixtures away games at pacesetters Dinas Powys and Llantrisant.
They also have to visit fellow strugglers Llanishen and Abercynon, two sides they recorded home victories against earlier in the season.
The key games look like the home fixtures against Old Illtydians, Penarth and St Peters, where victories will almost certainly have to be secured.
The first of these is on Saturday, March 4 when the Illts pay their first ever league visit to the Windsor Field with the kick off at 2.30pm.