LUCKLESS Minehead Barbarians went down 26-8 at home to Tor on Saturday and remain rooted to the foot of the Somerset Premier Division.

But things could have been so different when, just five minutes into the game, full back Kyle Lewis made an interception on his own 22 and raced away, only to be hauled down just five metres from the opposition posts, denying a massive psychological boost to a Barbarians side in need of a little good fortune.

Play was fairly even at this stage, but it was Tor who went ahead when they picked up a loose ball near half-way and sent it along the line for their dangerous right winger to cut back inside and score a converted try.

The next 20 minutes saw Minehead dominate possession, with young locks Ben Willes and Matt Lynch securing good lineout ball and the back row of Greg Richards, Tom Lamacraft and Luke Gould putting Tor under pressure.

Craig Sutherland at fly-half was able to try and release the threes, but although the new centre pairing of Mark Symes and Dom Westcott gave the midfield a more solid feel than of late, they were either unable to find the gaps or the final pass went astray.

Prop Connor Thrush is a young player making good progress as he gains experience, but just before half-time Minehead brought on the vastly experienced Richard Parsons for his first appearance of the season at tight head and his extra bulk, combined with the power of Dave Swann at loose head, forced Tor to concede a penalty in front of the posts.

Dom Westcott made no mistake with the kick to reduce the deficit to 7-3 at the break.

The conditions were becoming very blustery, with Tor making better use of the wind, but it was an outstanding break by their no 12 who made 30 metres before a well-timed offload sent his winger in to break the deadlock, with another excellent conversion widening the gap to 14-3.

Then when a promising Minehead attack broke down due to a handling error, Tor took play back to the Barbarians’ half and after being initially denied by some powerful scrummaging they forced their way over in the corner having won a vital scrum following a Minehead knock on.

The conversion looked to have sealed the match at 21-3, but Minehead battled away and gained a foothold in the Tor 22 where they were twice held up before, urged on by scrum half Josh Parker, they finally drove over with Tom Lamacraft getting the touch down - a just reward for his all-round action display.

However, Tor had the last word with a final try, aided by some poor defence, to finish worthy 26-8 winners.

Luke Gould was Minehead’s man of the match for his workrate, but the whole team played their hearts out, albeit to no avail.

Skipper Ryan Nunn is likely to be on the injured list for a few weeks, but the team is rallying round young vice-captain Ben Willes, who is leading by example at a very difficult time.

Minehead Barbarians: K Lewis, C Payne, D Westcott, M Symes, F Bushell, C Sutherland, J Parker, D Swann, J Barrett, C Thrush, B Willes, M Lynch, T Lamacraft, G Richards, L Gould, R Parsons, R Sanders, J Langdon.