WITH the rugby season having drawn to a close, Minehead Barbarians can look back on another positive year, writes Bryan Stevens.

The greatest credit will go to the club’s 2nd XV who, after a few difficult years, took an impressive fourth place in their division, fulfilling all their fixtures, and building a stronger squad to the benefit of both senior teams.

The Seconds were led by Matt Holman, and much of the credit goes to his persistence and commitment. The 1st XV also finished in fourth place, and every opposition team faced a stern test, with the champions Midsomer Norton being the only team to win at the club’s Ellicombe ground.

Will Hawker on the attack
(Tindle)

Captained by George Buckingham and Jacob Gower, the team were bolstered by two young South Africans Mu-eed Fritz and Shalon Martins. Not only excellent players, they both “fitted in,” making many friends, and their commitment to working hard in training and improving playing standards, set an example that all the players bought into.

Shalon, an always smiling prop forward, had a habit making telling contributions in the wide areas, and was also a subtle kicker! Mu-eed just went about his business, which was scoring tries! He won the award for top try scorer, and no game was lost, if there was a chance of Fritz scoring, or creating a try for a teammate.

Mu-eed Fritz’s scoring tally was closely pursued by the Barbarians own try stars James Day and Sam Chinn. Inside them the partnership of Senior and Hole was dependable, with Hole being voted players player by his teammates.

In the forwards, the experience of Swann, Willes, Cox, and Roberts was backed by the returning talents of Webber, Allerton and Richards.

The younger players coming through were vital, Huish, How, Reeder, Hollingsworth, and Allen all made numerous appearances in the Black and White. While Handley, Floyd, Ayres, Wyburn and Sondgen-Brown all made important contributions.

Minehead Barbarians now face the task of recruiting a new head coach, as Mick Orton steps down. They will be big shoes to fill as Mick has been a fantastic leader for the playing side of the club.