GOOD numbers have been attending Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club's training sessions at the ground on Tuesdays and Thursdays, writes Barry Knott.

Head coach Mick Orton said this week: "I have been particularly impressed by the number of Colts training. They are all working very hard and it is very encouraging.

"In the past couple of years we have been lacking in numbers and so we want to keep these up this coming season.

"We want to be able to field full squads for our sides. But that can be difficult at the moment because of holidays and work commitments."

Orton is still not committing himself to friendlies solely 'because it would be difficult to field strong enough sides.' But he added: "But if it happens, it happens."

However, the Babas intend entering three or four sides in the Freddie Pring Memorial Fund's Tens Tournament on August 19.

Minehead kick off the new league season with a home game against Wells on Saturday, September 2. They are also trying to get the 2nd XV's away game against their Wells counterparts switched to Minehead to provide a 'double header' for the start of the season.

Minehead Barbarians lst XV fixtures for the first month of the season are: Sept 2 home v Wells, 9 away v Taunton, 16 home v Imperial, 23 away v Avon, 30 home v Huish Tigers.

Any young players wishing to join training sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays are welcome to come along to the sessions which start at 7p.m. They are also welcome to contact Mick Orton, Dave Swann or the club's director of rugby Richard Parsons.