Barnes 17, Barking 45
DAVID Vincent ran in two second-half tries to kill off Barnes and keep Barking’s title charge on track.
Barking began like an express train, with Harry Owens going over for a try in the fourth minute which Craig Ratford duly converted.
Barking doubled their advantage four minutes later when hooker Marcus Bloomberg was pushed over for a try with Ratford again adding the extras.
Barnes hit back with a penalty from the boot of Warren Gower only for Barking’s openside Flanker Anthony Andrews to steam over for their third try in the 20th minute and from the restart blindside flanker James Ngan followed suit and the bonus point was secured.
With Barking then took their foot off the gas and the hosts took their opportunity when No.8 Gary Holmes went over for a try which Gower converted. And with only a couple of minutes remaining before half-time, Barnes’s Kieran Low was shunted over to bring Barnes to within nine points at the half-time whistle.
What ever was said in the half-time team talk by Codling and Sorrell had the desired effect, as Vincent touched down two minutes after the restart for the first of his two tries to put Barking back on the front foot before Vincent capped a fine performance on the hour mark when he finished off a well work try.
Just before the end of the game Barking captain James Kellard went over for the final try of the game to wrap up the win.
Barking now sit eight points clear of Rosslyn Park at the top of the table, however next weekend whilst Barking have a rest from league action, Park play their game in hand where they will be trying to make in roads in to that lead.
Barking are next in action on 10 April when they head to West London again for what will be a difficult game a the Athletic Ground against Richmond before returning to Goresbrook on 17 April to host Lydney.