for start of rugby season

MINEHEAD Rugby Club have two more training sessions next week before they face Wells at home in Counties Two Somerset on Saturday, September 2.

The Babas have been training since early July and Mick Orton, back as head coach after a year’s break from the job, admitted today: “We’re looking forward to the new season - it’s going to be interesting.

“Hopefully, we won’t pick up as many injuries as we did last season - and to key players. It’s difficult to field a settled and competitive side when you have a number of injuries.”

Minehead finished seventh in Counties Two Somerset last season, a creditable position considering their big problems with injuries. Wells were eighth.

Orton decided not to play pre-season friendlies this summer and for the players to put in the work on the training ground.

One of the club’s sides, Minehead Mambas, won the Freddie Pring Memorial Rugby Tens at Ellicombe Lane last weekend. This event on the Babas ground was again very successful.

One unfortunate situation for the Babas is how many players will be unavailable through work or other commitments for the first game.

Some also play cricket and are reluctant to play rugby if their sides are doing well as the two sports overlap.

Minehead’s other league games in September are: 9 away v Taunton, 16 home v Imperial, 23 away v Avon, 30 home v Huish Tigers.