Barry Comprehensive School

Barry Comprehensive School U13s and U16s Rugby teams took part in the prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools 7S in London at the end of March and were delighted to wear their new 7s kits generously sponsored by Concept Fire & Security and Dragon Graphics & Design.

The U13s Squad in their new uniforms - Rhys Forse, Scott Griffith, Connor Hayward, Jordan Schembri, Tom Jones Harvey Barratt, Connor Clarke, Chad Travis (cpt), Theo Richards, Daniel Ladner, Cameron Gibbon, Bradley Enticott.

The under 13s had a very tough group opening with a game against Sir Jos Williamsons, the boys taking a while to adapt to the pace of the game but giving a very creditable second half performance. In the second game Barry picked up a win against renowned English giants Yarm in a titanic battle coming out 17-12 winners. In the final pool game Bristol proved too big and powerful for the Barry team winning 33-14 with the sin binning of outstanding Barry forward Rhys Forse not helping.

It was a sharp learning curve for the young Barry team, that will stand them in good stead for the future, with notable performances from Rhys Forse, Connor Clarke, Chad Travis and Theo Richards, Also Year 7 pupils Cameron Gibbon and Scott Griffith really stepped up to the level.

The U16s Squad in their new uniforms - Luke O’Sullivan (cpt), James Sheekey, Jan Lewis, Ellis Smith, Jake Goodfellow, Campbell Prosser, Kyle Barros, Jordan Flynn, Luke Giddings, Michael Hamonda, Bradley White, Arran Reid

The U16s with six U15s in the squad also found themselves in a tough group. Barry got off to a great start beating Haydon 20-25 in the first game, and appearing to be coasting against The Perse in the second game until star wing Arran Reid was sin binned for a tackle after the whistle. The one man advantage allowed The Perse to snatch the game 26-24 with two tries in the last two minutes.

The defeat meant Barry had to beat previously unbeaten Wimbledon in the final game and attempt to score as many tries as possible. In an outstanding performance Barry won 32-14 deciding not to take conversions after the third try to save time. The six try victory making Barry the pool winners.

The U16s in action

In the last 32 Barry had to play Wycliffe and flew in to a 19-7 half time lead, but injuries to outstanding captain Luke O’Sulivan and try machine Arran Reid allowed Wycliffe back to 19-19, and with the final play of the game the English outfit stole the ball and scored to take the spoils 25-19.

Coach David Manley said “It was a superb effort from a very talented Barry side especially as six of the squad can return next year as they are still U15. Rather than picking out individuals the whole squad deserves congratulations. I can never remember feeling more proud of a teams effort”

The players and staff would like to thank Steve Smith of Concept Fire & Security and Rhys Harrington of Dragon Graphics & Design for sponsoring the playing kit and all parents who travelled up to London to support the teams for their much appreciated effort.