MINEHEAD Barbarians' impressive league form continued on Saturday, as they avenged last season's home defeat against Avonvale with a 41-15 victory.

A try came in the first five minutes, when C Hirons shot through a gap in the line and the ball was sent out to A Ford, who made no mistake. Jackson's conversion hit the post.

Avonvale hit straight back, and on third phase ball following a penalty, their hooker was able to sneak through a gap to equalise.

M Neyens and J Hurley stood in for the injured Lock and Thorne and they coped admirably.

Neyens set Hirons up for another break, only to be stopped, but Avonvale were penalised and Jackson kicked the penalty.

M Lawrence and R Cox shone in the lineouts, and from a good take by Cox in the bottom corner, the ball was spun out to Jackson who found space to run through and dive under the posts, adding the conversion himself.

A minute later, as Avonvale pressed, Ford intercepted in the line and, after sidestepping the full-back, completed a 40 metre run to the line. Jackson converted.

Ford broke again on the top touch and the ball was recycled to C Howells, captain for the day, who managed to charge through and score.

The second half didn't fulfil the promise of the first, and the first 20 minutes saw tough tackling but little expansive rugby, except for good loose play from A Floyde and M Kidner and promising runs from D Webber and J Huston.

Jackson and Hirons combined to release Webber on the top touch and his power took him past the tackles to find the line. Jackson added a fine conversion.

Avonvale's outside centre was the target for many crash balls, and just minutes after Minehead's score he charge through the defence and touched down.

However, with the score at 34-10, Minehead looked in control, and the points were sealed when Neyens dummied Vale's defence and released Webber who again evaded his challengers to score under the posts. Jackson converted.

Avonvale got a late consolation try after pressure in the corner saw the prop charge through.

Minehead's victory puts them in the driving seat for promotion now as they have games in hand on both their nearest rivals.