Gwernyfed v Barry

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She had to wait for seven years and many games, give or take a few! to score a try for Gwernyfed Ladies and on Sunday Roz Price delivered. The try was a thing of rare beauty, when the last receiver Roz Price who still had much to do but with a jinking run she cavorted to the line, with a final and daintiest of pirouettes the ball was grounded. This was just the start as the Gwernyfed juggernaut rumbled into action this week against a well organised Barry team. The concept of ‘team ethos’ showed as Gwernyfed demonstrated in many areas a rugby master class with all-round sharpness on the ball. Gwernyfed camped for long periods in the Barry 22, but stout tackling prevent the initial score, it also owes something to the fact that Gwernyfed were driving with the brakes on. The second try soon followed in 25th minute, bizarre it was a failed penalty kick resulted in a knock on. From a 5 metre scrum, a ferocious charge by the No. 8 Lily Snape, trampled over a bewildered defence. Conversion followed from Del Thomas. The game was a fascinating exercise in thrust and counter-thrust. Barry retaliated, punching up through the middle of the park. Ferocious tackling and counter rucking by Charismatic Captain Megan Snape and the delightful Amy Davies not only stemmed the flow but also repelled any advancement.

Defensive Coach and whiskered erudite Steve Harley mused as Gwernyfed dominated in territory and possession as they butchered numerous scoring opportunities, by either passing too soon or too late (which prevented the rapier Kayliegh Rees, and jumping wing Nicola Haines from their usual destructive antics on their respective wings), pondering on progression. Then a couple of loops later, the ball was in Barry territory, and El Farnham sent a smart cross-kick into space. Her vision was borne out by the magnificent Carys Ricketts, who strode clear from seemingly nowhere to scoop the ball up and take it over the line, normal service resumed as the metronomic Del Thomas slotted over the two additional points. Leaving the visitors trailing 21 -0 at Half time.

Counter rucking had been the training ground mantra this week, no doubt several ear bashing had Prop Rosie Snape driving in on many occasions to slow down Barry ball, as Battle continued, Coach Gordon Snape perplexed realised that the hardest work still to be done to improve their performance is at the breakdown, the penalty count soared, nevertheless brave heart dynamos Di Workman and Bec Willis toiled fearlessly in close combat repelling all comers. Lesser teams would have lain down, but not Gwernyfed Ladies. As time ticked, fitness told and the crowd got behind the team, tails up, unable to lose, confidence grow. The powerhouse of the second row began to show, speed of thought compensated for fleetness of foot as yardage was gained through the middle both Simone Hodges and Rosie Jones trampled many before them. This set up Megan Snape, to pick up from one such drive to snipe over under the posts from a 15 metre out. Substitutions brought new legs and new impedes to proceedings Harry Jones and Jess Bailey reinvigorated, both punched above their weight in the tight, providing a proactive defensive display

Towards the end a crushing blow to taliswoman Megan Snape, had Big ‘little sister’ Lily pumped, sinews strained, arms and legs drove and bodies flew, the ball found a desperate opening that was gladly received by El Pigden to score, the second first of the day! The crowd where euphoric.

In fading light, the flood lights flickered and crackled, on cue scrum half Sain Dyke battered over from close range for the final try.

Backs Coach Gareth East, cogitated proudly the Defensive performance that added another zero to the record books, “you don’t tend to get anything easy from Barry, you have to tackle hard, and we certainly did that today, sterner tests will come, so let’s rejoice in our achievements and build on our success”.

45 – 0 happy days.

Gwernyfed Ladies (45) v Barry Ladies (0)