MINEHEAD Barbarians will be fielding a much stronger side when they play at home to Oldfield Old Boys in Counties Two Somerset tomorrow (Sat, 2.30p.m.).

The Babas lost 29-15 away to Weston 2nd XV last weekend and head coach Jack Claydon said: "We had players drop out but the lads who came in did remarkably well, including Ed Francis who was making his first team debut.

"In the first half we did not play in the right areas - we spent far too much time in our own half. There was a big improvement in the second half but it was a little, too late.

"Overall I was not disappointed by the performance, only with the result because it was a match we could have won."

Meanwhile, Minehead will be looking for revenge against Oldfield who beat them 40-17 away when the sides met in mid-November.

Luke Milton, James Cox, George Buckingham, Kyle Robert, Chris Govier and Sean Chin are all expected to be returning to the Minehead side.

"We know that we can give any side a good game if we are near full strength," added Claydon. "We had to cancel the 2nds' game last weekend because we had so many players out.

"With players returning, this will particularly benefit the 2nd XV."

Minehead 2nd XV, who have now had ten points deducted in Counties Four Somerset South and drop to second from bottom, play away to third-placed Crewkerne.

Meanwhile Wiveliscombe, who gained a fine 41-26 away win over Penryn in Counties One Western West last weekend to avenge a narrow home defeat by their Cornish rivals earlier this season, are home to Bude tomorrow (2.30p.m.).

Wiveliscombe, who are back up to sixth place in the table, lost 22-12 when they played at Bude in November.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, who lost 41-7 at home to title favourites Huish Tigers in Counties Three Somerset South last weekend, are away to second-placed Castle Cary tomorrow.