MINEHEAD Barbarians will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent home record this season when they play Avon in Counties Two Somerset this afternoon (Sat, 2.30p.m.).

The Babas have piled up more than 400 points in winning all seven of their home games this season; but they have won only once on the road - against St Bernadettes Old Boys.

Their home and away form could not be more different. They lost 48-0 away to Avon early in the season and the likelihood is they will beat them at Ellicombe Road tomorrow.

One of their wins at home was against title favourites Taunton who crashed 41-17 - their only loss of the season. Yet the following week they lost 46-21 away to Imperial.

Minehead's head coach Mick Orton believes there are two main reasons for their poor away form - 'availability and the strength of the opposition.'

He said yesterday: "Avon looked a very good side when we played them earlier this season. I was impressed."

Joel Lynch is expected to captain Minehead, having recovered from an injury which kept him out of the side for most of the first part of the season.

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV, also lying fifth in Counties Four Somerset South, will be looking to complete the season's double over Tor, having beaten them 67-19 at home in September. Tor have conceded more points than any other side in the division.

Meanwhile Wiveliscombe, whose confidence will be sky-high following their convincing win over Wellington in the Boxing Day derby, play away to seventh-placed Pirates Amateurs in Counties One Western West.

Just a few weeks ago, Wiveliscombe were bottom of the table and looking doomed - but back-to-back victories have restored belief in themselves.

Head coach Ed Lewsey said: "It was a great result for the lads against Wellington and just reward for their endeavours despite a tough first half of the season. I hope this gives us the confidence to press on in the second half of the season."

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV face a tough home game against third-placed Castle Cary in Counties Three Somerset South. Wiveliscombe are down in ninth spot in the division.