The win means they will now face Gwernyfed in next Sunday’s final in Llandovery, a game which forms part of a packed day of women’s rugby.Â
The game was played on a sodden pitch which soon descended into near mud bath conditions though no team gave a quarter in what was a brutal battle.
With home advantage, Barry put it to good use as they played down the slope in the first half. And after identifying the Croesyceiliog outside-half as the main danger, they set about negating the threat. Full back O’Neil was enjoying a great start to the game, time and time again she collected the ball and tore into the chasing defenders, always making ground for her team.
The defensive qualities of the Bombettes were then demonstrated when Croesy enjoyed their best spell of the game. The away side pounded the Barry 22 but were met with some staunch Barry tackling. Indeed they went close to scoring on a number of occasions but at the break, the game remained scoreless.
The second half started with more of the same from the home side. The Bombettes adapted to the conditions far better than Croesy though, utilising the power of their forwards to their advantage.
Going into the last quarter with the game still tied, centre Jones powered into the away 22. Several draining scrums later, No. 8 Cole picked up from the base and powered over. The score sparked amazing scenes on the side lines from the healthy home support before Richards cooly slotted over the extra points for a 7-0 lead.
Croesy briefly rallied but in the final minutes, Barry controlled the ball beautifully with their forwards. And when the final whistle went, there jubilant celebratory scenes among the Barry faithful.
