MINEHEAD Barbarians are nicely tucked in behind the two leading teams after beating Avon 36-21 away in Counties Two Somerset, writes Bryan Stevens.

A very tense finish saw the Babas fighting hard at the end to stay ahead of the opposition in a match very well refereed by former England and Bath captain Phil De-Glanville.

Six changes from last week saw two debutants into the senior squad; also a welcome return for the experienced Henson into the second row, whose strength and workrate was vital in claiming the win.

Minehead knew that it was likely to be a battle between the Avon pack and the Minehead backs, and it was the Barbarians that struck first. Day scored in the corner after good work by Handley, and passes by Lynch and How. However, it was Avon next on the scoreboard. Using a driving lineout maul, their best weapon, they made a lot of ground before breaking away for a try in the corner.

Chinn was the next to show his skills, counter- attacking from depth to relieve pressure. It fittingly was Chinn who scored next. A big carry by Henson made ground, then the ball was quickly moved by Cudmore in his first match, and Chinn stepped inside and accelerated away to score.

The next score came from Fritz who had moved to full-back for this game;irst Day made a long break and when the forwards recycled the ball Fritz picked up and raced under the posts for a converted try.

Avon fought back building pressure through their big forward pack, and eventually a forward forced his way over from short range. However, from the restart a kick by Avon was collected by Fritz and he set off on one of his trademark mazy runs back to score.

Fritz gained his “hat-trick” soon after, but much credit must go to Day who broke powerfully from his own line up to halfway, enabling Fritz to race home.

At the break the glory may have gone to Fritz, Chinn, and Day, but the work of the forwards was immense. Buckingham, Edwards and Bullard carrying hard against much bigger opponents.

The second half was a tough fight as Avon fought back. George Wells coming on for a tough front row debut.

The Barbarians did extend their lead, again moving the ball at pace. Day almost reached the line, but Buckingham was in support to get the score. Cudmore adding the extra points.

Now the home side pressure started to tell. First they managed to create an overlap and put a centre over. Then a push-over try as the Minehead pack which had worked so hard, tired. The Barbarians raised their game one more time and were camped in Avon’s 22 for many phases, but could not cross the line.

Then one more driven lineout brought a try for Avon, with ten minutes left the Barbarians had to use all their reserves of energy to hold out and seal the win.

The great efforts of the pack and the finishing of the Minehead backs brought another five points for the Barbarians.

Minehead Barbarians wish Josh “Juice” Cronin safe travels, as he returns to New Zealand.

A deserved Man of the Match went to Richard Henson.