DESPITE an outbreak of Covid within the camp, Minehead Barbarians will field a ‘strong’ side for their home game against new Somerset Premier leaders Hornets today at 3pm.

That’s the promise of Minehead’s head coach Mick Orton who said earlier this week: “Obviously those players affected will stay away and it will cause problems regarding selection.

“But you have to be positive about these things and we will fulfil the fixture. However, it is always a difficult time of the year with some players involved in lambing.”

Minehead, who lost 45-5 away to Hornets in February, moved up to third in the table after beating Wells 45-12 at home last weekend, having lost to their opponents earlier in the season.

Orton added: “It was a very good display against Wells. We thought it was going to be a difficult game against them but we played well to score so many points against a good side.”

Hornets went to the top of the table after beating Weston super Mare 24-12 last weekend, which meant Weston slipped back to fourth in the division.

The Babas play away to fifth-placed Avon tomorrow week before ending the season with home games against Yatton on Saturday, April 16, and Bristol Harlequins the following Saturday.

The big shock in the division last weekend was the 28-27 away defeat of title-chasing Nailsea and Backwell to Imperial, who are down in ninth spot.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe, who slumped 38-15 at home to Kingsbridge in Western Counties West last Saturday, face undoubtedly their toughest game of the season tomorrow when they play away to leaders Wadebridge Camels.

Wadebridge hammered third-placed Truro 52-8 at home last weekend to maintain their 100 per cent record this season – 23 games in a row. They are proving to be one of the best teams in the Westcountry and have a 35-point lead at the top of the table.

Wiveliscombe are down in tenth spot and trail Wadebridge by 62 points.

High-flyers Wiveliscombe 2nd XV play away to Castle Cary in Somerset Two South. Wivey are 14 points behind leaders Chard with two games in hand and the teams are set to clash at the Rec tomorrow week.

With two more home games to finish the season, Wiveliscombe are slight favourites to end the season as champions.

The game against the South Somerset outfit is likely to decide the title race.