MINEHEAD Barbarians end an enforced fortnight's break from rugby because of the bad weather when they play away to Imperial in Counties Two Somerset on Saturday, January 31.

It will be head coach Isaiah Graham-Hooper's last match in charge of the Babas before taking up a similar role in Australia, which is closer to the New Zealander's home.

Club chairman Richard Parsons said: "We're in negotiations with a view to filling the post and may make an announcement next week. Obviously we're sorry to be losing Isaiah and we wish him the very best."

Minehead were due to play bottom side Rebels Rugby at Milverton last weekend but the game was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Babas, who beat Castle Cary 39-7 at home in their last league game, will be looking to keep up the pressure at the top of the table. They are lying third despite not playing last weekend and trail the new leaders Burnham on Sea by ten points but have a game in hand.

In the only league game played last weekend, Burnham on Sea gained a 28-7 home win over Clevedon who drop to second place, a point behind their rivals.

Minehead's opponents on Saturday Imperial are lying sixth, having won five of their 12 matches, drawn one and lost six. One of their losses was a heavy 73-26 thumping on their own ground by Burnham a fortnight ago. They will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back against Minehead. Rebels Rugby are home to seventh-placed Avon.

Fixtures on Saturday, January 31: Castle Cary v Hornets, Clevedon v Keynsham, Imperial v Minehead Barbarians, Rebels Rugby v Avon, St Bernadettes Old Boys v Chew Valley.

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV play away to Wincanton in Counties Four Somerset South. Minehead are lying fifth in the table, while Wincanton are one place below them.