Fixture

Rhiwbina got off to an explosive league start, scoring seven tries in a 8-45 rout of league newcomers Barry at the Reservoir Field. The Squirrels, with a number of players making their debut, were well-organised and totally committed in all phases of play and gave the newcomers a lesson in finishing which saw them secure a bonus point before half time. A large and noisy crowd were eager to give new Rhiwbina coach Jon Bryant's team a hostile welcome after he led Barry to promotion last season but, along with his fellow coach Dai Pattison, it was John who ended the game with a grin from ear to ear, as well as the Rhiwbina faithful who were treated to a tremendous team performance.

Excellent early defence by Rhiwbina kept out the home team, as the Bombers looked to attack from all parts of the field. Despite Barry dominating early possession it was Rhiwbina who got on the scoreboard first as they made the most of their first visit into the Barry 20 metre area.  A solid scrum saw Olly Golden pick up and surge through and new boy full back Elliot Jones was alongside to take the pass and score the first Squirrel try. Kyle Barros replied with a penalty for Barry but soon Rhiwbina were on the attack again as Olly fed the excellent Dave Gilbert who chipped through to put the Squirrels in the Barry 20.  From a line out Chris Huntley caught cleanly and a forward drive led to skipper Jamie DeAbreu crossing for a popular try, converted by outside half Ryan Stacey to make it 3-12.  Yet another Rhiwbina forward drive led to the powerful man of the match Chris Williams surging through to score under the posts and Ryan converted.  With Jamie leading the way the Barry No2 was shown yellow and at the resultant scrum Barry infringed again as the Rhiwbina eight pushed them back and the ref awarded a penalty try, and the bonus point was in the bag with a half time score of 3-26.

After two minutes of the second half Ben Shariff made a great break which saw Chris Williams burst through and he fed Olly who charged over for the try, converted by Josh Moscardini, as Ryan had been sent to the naughty step for 10 minutes!  Ben Shariff then showed he can also defend with a superb tackle, but Barry made their way to the clubhouse corner.  However, they could not penetrate the Rhiwbina defence and the Squirrels cleared upfield.  From a scrum Ryan made a clean break and fed Tom Slocombe who crossed for Rhiwbina’s sixth try, converted by Ryan.  Barry’s efforts were finally rewarded with a corner try by Wayne Jones, but the Squirrels were not finished.  One final effort by the forwards in the Barry Docks corner, saw the excellent Chris Williams burst yet again down the touchline and he passed inside for James Griffiths to score.

So a very encouraging start by the playing squad and the coaches and we face a stern test next week at home to local rivals Rumney, when we hope for a big crowd at Caedelyn to cheer us on.