A tantalising clash lost by the visitors in the first half even though dramatic attempts were made to keep up with the Thamesiders.

A missed tackle, moments in, gave the hosts first shout. But the converted try was matched expertly from the restart when Alex Ricci gathered at pace and drove to the Barnes 22. Seb Mummery flew over from the resulting ruck for Sam Jones to convert.

Another mishap allowed a powerful Barnes rolling maul to cross from distance. No conversion.

A’s attacked again with purpose and Toby Ponsford picked up at the base of a 5mtr scrum. He fed Hugo Watson who was unstoppable in the right corner. Jones improving kick was sensational.

Back to the other end of the field and Barnes rolled to the posts once more. Towards the end of the half A’s conceded a number of penalties which resulted in a penalty try.

Jones ended the half with a penalty of his own and started the new session in like fashion. Six points was the margin for the remainder of the third quarter and Barnes seemed to be under the cosh and their own posts for fully fifteen minutes. But when you have the advantage you have to accrue points and Albanians neglected to do this in what turned out to be the crucial area of this encounter.

Consequently a breakout and a converted try followed by another penalty gave Barnes the lead which A’s could no longer turn. Two rousing forwards tries claimed by hooker Ben Alexander left the visitors six points adrift but with two league points as reward.

Obviously there was little to choose between the sides. Frankly, Barnes made fewer errors and were rightly rewarded. Dan George’s men fought well. The team worked to great effect in broken play and the defence was mostly sound. Scrums saw no clear advantage to either side. The OA lineout has been a revelation this year and is now a source of dependable, forceful possession which will be useful against Westcombe Park next week.

Brian Quinn,

Roving Reporter