MINEHEAD Barbarians were forced to work hard on Saturday against a tough Imperial side and a poor pitch before sealing a 28-5 victory.

C Jackson claimed the first three points for Minehead with a penalty before Imperial took the lead with an unconverted try.

M Neyens lit up an otherwise stale first half with a moment of magic when the ball was recycled quickly and the fly-half was left with few options but to go for the drop goal from all of 30 metres. The kick sailed over to give Minehead a 6-5 half-time lead.

D Robinson, on for the injured Floyd, J Reed and skipper for the day Andy Kendall had to use all their front row knowledge to prevent being over-run by an aggressive Imperial pack, and with P Graddon and P Blythe both showing good attacking options, the visitors moved the play up the pitch.

Once the backs had passed out to D Webber on the right wing, the try was never in doubt and he ran through to score under the posts. Jackson converted and added a penalty soon afterwards.

Good running by S Jones and R Cox set the ball up for D Bishop to feed Neyens. J Huston joined the line and unloaded to Webber in the tackle, and the powerful wing knocked his opposite number backwards as he charged through to score.

Jackson's conversion was inches wide.

Into the last five minutes, Imperial went close, being held up over the line. As the ball was recycled, a fumble in the line saw C Hirons pick up and race away.

He ran the length of the pitch to score a brilliant individual try under the posts. Jackson converted, and Minehead finished 28-5 ahead.

This was one of Minehead's games in hand and helped them to claw back some ground on leaders North Petherton.

SOMERSET DIVISION ONE

Bristol Barbarians 22 Stothert and Pitt 32, Broad Plain 26 Avonvale 10, Chard 19 Old Ashtonians 19, Imperial 5 Minehead Barbarians 28.