MINEHEAD Barbarians gained a 24-20 home victory over Avon in Counties Two Somerset, writes Bryan Stevens.

The match was outstanding, with Avon’s forwards dominating the set piece, but the Barbarians being more threatening in open play.

The strength of the visitors’ pack put Minehead on the back foot, and the Bath side scored early, using a series of forward drives to cross the line for a try.

The Barbarians struck back. Cox gained a turnover, and when the ball was moved away, Gower and Day, linked with Chinn who broke through and raced to the line for Gower to convert.

Avon’s pack kept Minehead under pressure, but the home team had weapons of their own. When given the chance, Hole powered through, bouncing off defenders. The scrums continued to favour Avon, keeping the Barbarians on the back foot, however, against the run of play they extended their lead. From some strong carries by the Minehead forwards the ball went wide, and a loose pass was seized on by Chinn. He stepped left and right beating players, and raced in for a second converted score under the posts.

Minehead may have struggled in the set piece, but no-one could doubt their efforts in the loose. Willes, Cox and Buckingham worked tirelessly, while Swann and Roberts showed the importance of their experience.

For the second half the Barbarians welcomed back Jack White to the front row to give Dellow a rest.From the restart Willes took a blow which required attention, one of a number of minor injuries to the team, and they will be grateful for a free week next Saturday to recover.

Avon scored next, their backrow forcing over for a converted try. Soon after, the visitors took the lead with a penalty kick.

The Barbarians great strengths are their resilience in defence, and willingness to take their chances. From a lineout, Parfitt raced into midfield committing tacklers, Cox grabbed the ball, spotted a gap and burst through to score. Gower converting. Gower stretched the lead with a 35 metre penalty kick.

Avon came back again; their scrum-half made a clean break and worked the left wing over in the corner to score.

With time running out Minehead defended frantically, a vital turnover by Roberts, and soon the final whistle brought relief and celebrations.

Parfitt did very well standing in at scrum-half, Senior impressed, and Willes and Cox showed well in the pack. However, Man of the Match went to Jordan Hole for his work in attack and defence.

*Saturday was the Barbarians’ “Ladies Day”, when the club showed it’s appreciation to all its female members and supporters. The players are particularly grateful for the work of Emily Catford, who takes great care of the squad’s physical welfare every week.