MINEHEAD Barbarians’ Director of Rugby Luke Milton was delighted with his side’s response to the previous week’s disappointment as they produced an impressive home performance against Wells (71-24).

“There was definitely a different edge to training this week. The players backed that up with a strong performance against a dogged Wells’ team who never gave up,” said Milton.

Although Sam How was Man of the Match, Milton was quick to highlight the contribution of the whole squad.

“We scored some great tries and our backline looked really sharp, but that was all built on the back of a solid set piece and some excellent defence.”

“Our props continue to defy their advancing years. Swann in particular rolled back the years with some wonderful touches. It has also been great to have Rich Parsons and his big frame back in the mix and hungry for scrummaging.”

The Barbarians now face a different challenge next Saturday when they travel to newly promoted Yatton RFC.

“We are due an away win; it’s all very well turning it on at home, but the true test will be winning on the road.”

The 2nd XV endured a tougher afternoon away at Wells 2nd XV, eventually going down by 40 points, but Milton still found plenty of encouragement in the performance.

“The 2nd XV put in a valiant display on the road. It was great to see promising youngster Josh Lynch making his debut at fly-half, meaning both our 1st and 2nd XV fly-halves were brothers.”

There were also family connections elsewhere, with Harry Reeder and Luke Reeder lining up together in the back row.

“We have a really promising group of 18 to 20-year-olds training with us now, and getting them playing senior rugby is great to see.”

With the 1st XV at Yatton, the 2nd XV welcome Crewkerne to Minehead on Saturday, October 10.