MINEHEAD Barbarians gained a 28-20 home success against Hornets in Counties Two Somerset, chalking up their seventh victory in nine matches.

Before the start of Saturday’s match there was a minute’s silence to remember two great club members who passed away in the past week. Mervyn Tickner and Malcolm Claydon had been players and supporters over many years, with Tom and Jack Claydon both involved with the senior team on the day.

The Barbarians consolidated their position in the top three of the division when they scored five tries against Hornets. It was a day of very difficult weather, rain and wind giving a sodden pitch, but there was a good crowd to cheer on the team.

The Barbarians had the perfect start, a lineout drive powered over for Beaver to grab the first score after only two minutes. It was an indicator that the Barbarian forwards would have the upper hand throughout, and keep the game moving in favour of Minehead, despite some clever plays by Hornets.

Hornets threatened on the occasions that they acquired good ball, but the defensive tackling of captain Buckingham set a standard that inspired his team.

Having kept Hornets out, the Barbarians scored again. From a midfield scrum they attacked up the slope, Gower dummied to his centre and held the defence, the ball reached the prolific Chinn who raced in to score.

Dominating the territory, the Barbarians could not quite get over the line despite coming very close. However, another penalty gave Gower the chance, and he added three points for his team.

Hornets struck back with a piece of skilful play. From a penalty taken quickly, they kicked across field and the right wing caught the ball cleanly, sprinting into the corner.

Hornets scored again against the run of play to come closer. A strong Barbarian attack built, but a pass went to ground, the ball was snapped up and run in to cut the lead to one point. Minehead relieved the pressure when Senior claimed a try. The pack drove at the line repeatedly, sucking in defenders, and when the ball came out Senior drove hard for the line to score.

The second half saw the visitors with the wind and rain at their back giving them extra possession, but Minehead were disciplined in their defence, allowing Hornets to have phases but gaining little ground unless they kicked.

Now the Barbarians stretched their lead. Powerful carries by Claydon, Hollingsworth, and White battered forward, the ball went wide and How tackled just short of the line, reached back over his head to score with an outstanding finish.

Again Hornets came back, a delicate grub kick allowed their left wing to score in the corner to close the score again.

Minehead deservedly had the final say, and made the game safe for their supporters who cheered them on despite the weather! A long pass by Gower was taken by How who dived into the corner to make the game safe.

Ben Willes was an outstanding Player of the day, closely supported by George Buckingham and Luke Senior.

Elsewhere, leaders Clevedon found themselves without a game because of the bad weather but they still managed to stay six points clear of second-placed Minehead with a 100 per cent record after eight games.

Bryan Stevens