MINEHEAD Barbarians' head coach Mick Orton has welcomed being handed a home fixture in Counties Two Somerset - against Wells - to kick off the new rugby season.

Orton, who returns to the role after a year, said yesterday: "It is always nice to start the season with a home game."

Minehead finished seventh last season after a string of injuries to key players, while Wells were only one place below them.

The Babas are also trying to switch the 2nd XV's opening game away to Wells second string to Minehead to open the season with a 'double header,'

"We're hoping Wells will agree to this and that they could themselves stage a double header on their own ground at the end of the season," said Orton. "It's something we're working on."

Minehead have a tough opening month against sides who finished third, fourth and fifth last winter, and against Huish Tigers who have been promoted.

Meanwhile, the Minehead club begin pre-season training next Tuesday with twice-weekly sessions until the league gets under way in September.

Minehead Barbarians lst XV fixtures for 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. Oct 14 home v Yatton, 21 away v Hornets. Nov 4 home v Weston super Mare, 11 away v St Bernadettes Old Boys, 18 home v Oldfield Old Boys. Dec 2 away v Chew Valley, 9 home v Taunton, 16 away v Imperial.

Jan 6 home v Avon, 13 away v Huish Tigers, 27 away v Yatton. Feb 3 home v Hornets, 17 away v Weston super Mare. Mar 2 home v St Bernadettes Old Boys, 16 away v Oldfield Old Boys, 23 home v Chew Valley. April 6 away v Wells.Sport