MINEHEAD Barbarians suffered a heavy 73-5 defeat away to Yatton in the Somerset Premier League on Saturday.

After a committed first half performance, they were blown away after the break by an impressive home side who enjoyed quality performances from their outstanding outside half and strong running centres and wingers.

Minehead made a determined and committed start, and despite coming under sustained pressure they tackled hard.

The back row of skipper Ryan Nunn, Tom Lamacraft and the ever-dependable Richard Henson were able to close things down and deny Yatton the space to release their impressive backs.

So determined was the defence in this opening spell that it was 25 minutes before Yatton broke the deadlock, their full back joining the line and setting up a move carried on by quick passing which ended in a try for the left wing and an excellent conversion.

At this stage Minehead were still very much in the game, and the ever-alert Justin Harris gave them hope when he scored a try from a quickly-taken penalty on the half hour.

Further solid defending restricted Yatton to only one further score before the interval, giving them a 12-5 lead.

The second half was a very different story as the Barbarians’ defence tired and the Yatton threes came into their own.

They ran in nine tries, with eight conversions, in a performance which even at this early stage of the season must mark them down as strong title contenders.

Once the floodgates opened they were unstoppable, and their confidence was transmitted to the pack, who put the normally dependable Minehead scrum under intense pressure and won a worrying number of strikes against the head.

Already more than 60 points adrift, Minehead rallied in the last five minutes, but just when it looked as though a good build-up might bring them a consolation try, the vital pass went astray and Yatton intercepted to go in under the posts and round off a resounding victory.

Tomorrow[‘s home match against St Bernadette’s will have added importance as Minehead look for a vital first win and a return to the dominance up front which has been a key part of their game in recent seasons.

The game will be sponsored by Phil and Tina Farmer and it is hoped that a good crowd will be on hand to give the lads a boost.

Minehead Barbarians: K Lewis, S Ford, J Parker, D Westcott, P Evans, M Symes, J Harris, D Swann, R Saunders, K Roberts, B Willes, G Richards, R Nunn, R Henson, T Lamacraft, C Thrush, J Langdon, M Holman.