MINEHEAD Barbarians were unfortunately not quite able to perform at their recent level and had to see Taunton Seconds take the spoils with a 21-7 victory in Counties Two Somerset at Ellicombe, writes Bryan Stevens. It was, however, a memorable day for George Buckingham, his 100th cap for Minehead.

The positives for Minehead were seeing a return by both Jack White and Ben Willes, both of whom made a significant contribution. Also, throughout the team the effort levels were never lacking, despite playing through some awful weather.

Taunton caught Minehead napping at the start, scoring after only a couple of minutes. The visitors attacked up the slope, a half-break in the centre, and the scrum half went back down and created space for his support runner to score.

One area where Minehead had an edge was in the scrums. Wells joined the more experienced White and Swann in the front row, while Henson and Griffin held the middle tight. The lineout was a lottery with both teams struggling to get clean ball. The Barbarians still tried to play their preferred wide game, but the weather conditions and a well organised Taunton defence kept Day, Fritz, and Chinn reigned in.

The Barbarians did have some success with Allerton driving though midfield, and Bullard and Buckingham were always looking to carry forward, but too often the ball was recycled slower than was needed.

An excellent break by Chinn saw the Barbarians hammering at the line, but a penalty frustrated them. This was typical of the home side’s struggle on the day, getting into advanced positions but then being unable to convert possession into points. This meant that the score stayed at 0 – 5 until the half time break.

Taunton built a period of pressure near the Minehead line and eventually sent a player diving over by the posts for a converted try.

The Barbarians raised their game, bringing Edwards and Willes on to add strength up front, but it was Taunton who added to their score next, kicking a penalty goal.

Finally the Barbarians gained points. A strong drive by Willes was finished with Edwards diving over for Lynch to convert. Taunton added another penalty to keep the Barbarians at bay. Good tactical kicking kept Taunton on the front foot.

Despite their efforts Minehead could not gain more points before the whistle.

Not the result that Minehead wanted, but the team will be resolute in refocussing before their next match. Captain Bruce Bullard was the Barbarians Player of the Day.

*A very honourable deserved mention goes to the Barbarians 2nd XV who travelled to Hornets at Weston super Mare, after a hard fight, coming away with a winning score of 24-7 against an older experienced team in Counties Four Somerset South. The whole Minehead team were congratulated for their work, while new prop forward Liam Johnson was named Man of the Match.

*Before the 1st XV match it was great to see a first fixture for the new Minehead Barbarians women’s team. Playing with reduced numbers on both sides the Barbarians entertained the women’s team from Taunton. The Barbarian Ladies played with great enthusiasm, well led by Hannah Martin, and were delighted to come out as the winners.

Barbarian Ladies squad: Hannah Martin, Hannah Delbridge, Amie Tucker, Grace Takle, Poppy Sanders, Bee Phillips, Rosie Iles, Courtney Bennett, and Cerys Sweetland.