DESPITE a sterling effort, Minehead Barbarians lst XV returned from Weston super Mare without the points in a rearranged fixture, going down 39-20 to Hornets 2nd XV in Counties Two Somerset, writes Bryan Stevens.

The Babas faced a much changed Hornets side to the one which they had beaten comfortably at Ellicombe; coincidentally the home club had no first team fixture, which may have had some bearing on their team selection.

The home side started at a great pace, stretching the Barbarians with a mix of powerful carrying, and wide passes. They claimed their first score after winning a penalty which was kicked to the corner. From the lineout a clean drive saw Hornets over for a converted try.

It was not all one way;, Nunn revelled in the physical battle and shone in defence, but also made a powerful burst through midfield. From that burst the ball was worked wide and Day almost scored. Next, Gower almost crossed but was just forced into touch.

Eventually these efforts by Minehead gained some reward when Lynch was able to kick a penalty. Hornets struck back using a kicking game that made use of the strong breeze, and enabled them to win back possession. A try on the left wing was soon followed by another, when the ball was shifted wide to create an overlap on the right where their Fijian prop scored.

While the home side had dominated the first half, the second was a much more even contest. Coach Richards sent Claydon on into the forwards to add some energy, and he soon made his presence felt with some heavyweight carries.

Chinn made an exciting break out from his own half, and that attitude lifted the Barbarians as they started to fight back. Unfortunately, a penalty kick put Hornets down near the Barbarians line again and another driven try ensued.

Finally, Minehead gained a reward for their efforts. As Hornets mounted an attack, Gower pounced on a loose pass and sprinted in from the half-way line. Hawker and Reeder now came on, and Hawker was able to make good use of the ball that Claydon, Buckingham and Willes were working hard to provide.

A second Minehead try came from a tap penalty. Hollingsworth carried hard, then a fast pass to Willes saw him cross wide out.

The Minehead forwards, who had had a very hard working day, raised themselves to dominate two scrums and then laid siege to the home line. Stopped twice at the line, then Hawker spotted a gap and raced over for a converted score. Hornets had the final word with a score at the end to finish strong.

The Barbarians deserve great credit for not allowing their heads to drop at all in this hard match against the much changed side. Their three second-half tries were some reward for the efforts. Ryan Nunn was a well-deserved Man of the Match for the Barbarians.

It was only Minehead’s fourth loss of the season and they stay third in the table.

Meanwhile, Minehead 2nd XV were also in action, recording a 29-5 home victory over Wincanton in Counties Four Somerset South. Richard Winter was Minehead’s Man of the Match.

There is no senior rugby overthe Easter weekend, but the following Saturday the 1st XV entertain Imperial in a league match at the Ellicombe ground.