Barry Comprehensive School

Barry Comprehensive School U16's Squad
Back (L to R) Mr M Ingle, Andrew Gurd, Damien Toozer, Rhodri Philips,
Seon shakespeare, Chad Clarke (Capt), David Bryan, Rhys Davies, Mark Hutton
  Front (L to R): Ben Stait, Jordan Prosser, Tom Moffat, Ryan Newman,
Josh Manning, Kyle Lewis, Luke Walsh, Sam Adamson

Barry Comprehensive School Under 16 football team travelled the long journey to Oswestry Street, North Wales to take on Ysgol Brynrefail High School in the Schools National Cup Final.

The boys arrived in plenty of time for the big game and were given ample opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before playing in what was probably the biggest game of their young careers. Decked out in their new, British Thornton sponsored kit the boys took to the field determined to make sure that their final ever school game ended in glory.

The game kicked off in glorious conditions and it was clear from the outset that this game was going to be full of attacking ambition from both sides. There appeared to be no nerves from the Barry team and this was evident with some excellent passing interchange in the midfield that sought to probe the Ysgol Brynrefail back line and create some early chances.

This early possession led to Barry being awarded three free kicks in dangerous positions around the penalty area. Ryan Newman delivered all three with perfect accuracy but on each occasion the crucial touch was missing with Luke Shakespeare being very unlucky when one of the chances dropped for him at an awkward height.

As the game progressed Ysgol Brynrefail gained more of a foothold in the game and exerted pressure on the Barry back four. Chances started to open up and only the acrobatic heroics of Rhodri Phillips on three occasions kept Brynrefail at bay. However, after a sustained period of attack Phillips was powerless to stop the opener. A Barry attack broke down and Brynrefail counter attacked quickly along the right wing before the striker slotted the ball home.

After this although Barry had their own chances they failed to test the Brynrefail keeper and at half-time Barry went in behind.

Although Barry went onto the field determined to get back into the game, the second half had barely got started when Barry went two goals down. From a free kick Ethan Dicks was a mere spectator as the Brynrefail striker had a free header at the back post. At 2-0 down Barry were always going to be chasing the game and although there were claims for a definite penalty that the referee waved away, Barry struggled to create any chances of note.

As the game drew to a close and the defence pushed up Barry left themselves vulnerable at the back and it was no surprise that Brynerefail scored two late goals to give them assured victory.

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but the team should be extremely proud of their efforts and determination to get to a national final and the season as a whole. Hopefully this won’t be the last big game of their careers and is only the beginning of more success in the future.

AC 2009-06-08