Rugby: Inferior Dowlais defeated

May 1 2008 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

Barry 20Dowlais 12

DOWLAIS returned from Barry with exactly what they deserved in a disappointing league performance.

Barry looked far more up for the game as their forwards drove into the visitors from the off allowing scrum half Bryn Jones to break away before finding centre Rhys Hardy who scored.

With Chris Cummins adding the extras the hosts opened up a 7-0 lead. Worse was to follow for the Dragons as prop David Fowler was sent to the sin bin and Cummins kicked the resulting penalty for a 10-0 lead. Dowlais did start to win lineout possession through second rows David Kelly and Jon Davies but too often left the ball carrier isolated enabling Barry to gain the turnover. Dowlais where unlucky not register their first points on the stroke of half time as Robert Downes’ penalty attempt struck the upright and rebounded out of play.

The Dragons needed to score first but unfortunately for them they let the home side through for an interception try as flanker Jason Evans showed good pace to score.

Cummins gain added the conversion to stretch the lead to 17-0. The introduction of fit again club captain Robert Protheroe finally seemed to have the desired effect on the Dragons and they started to produce some controlled rugby and were soon on the score board as Barry collapsed a rolling maul and the referee awarded a penalty try with Downes kicking the conversion.

Dowlais were now playing some good rugby and centre Nicky Minnet burst into the 22, the forwards re-gathered the ball and set off towards the line where No 8 Jonny Pinch claimed the touchdown.

The conversion was missed and having worked hard to get back into the game Dowlais then gifted the home side three points when winger Martin Greaney was penalised for not releasing in the tackle and despite some late pressure on the Barry try line they were unable to get another score to leave Barry worthy winners 20-12. With one game remaining Dowlais need a win to secure third spot.