AFTER the previous week’s setback, Minehead Barbarians bounced back with a 43-15 home win over Oldfield Old Boys, writes Bryan Stevens.

Oldfield are another team that like to play open rugby, so the crowd were truly entertained. 

Minehead were rewarded almost immediately with a try. Chinn counter-attacked, Senior, and Gower continued, and Day won the race to score. Gower converted, and he had a fine day with the boot, only failing with one kick.

Oldfield were lively in attack and it took all the home side’s resources to cover back and keep them out. Chinn was a key player, attacking with purpose and linking with Gunter and Gower to create more chances. Oldfield kicked a penalty to close the gap.

Then a lengthy stoppage occurred for a significant injury to a visiting player, and later, Minehead also lost full-back Gunter to injury, and we hope for his quick recovery.

Gower was next to score, following a smart break by Senior; he burst through a gap near the posts. The home pack stood up well, Swann and Roberts bracing the front row, while Huish behind them continued to show his worth. 

When Oldfield built pressure, Willes won a vital line-out and Hawker made the clearance. The Barbarians held a 14-3 lead at the break.

The second period again showed early success for Minehead. Another break by Chinn found support from Cox, and he set up a driven maul that took Buckingham over to score. 

For a period the Minehead discipline slipped, and two yellow cards meant that they defended with 13 players. The 13 players repelled attack after attack, with Cox, Bullard, and Willes tackling like demons. The team even ran the ball from their own line to relieve pressure.

Finally Oldfield did get a try, crossing in the corner, which was well converted.

A long kick by Cherry was well followed up, and the visitors won a penalty, kicked by Gower. Then the pack carried Cox over but he was held up.

Next scorer was Sam Howe, who has just established himself in the team. He benefited after some strong forward drives, then Day gave him space. A well-earned first senior try.

Bullard took the next try. When Hawker and Gower switched play back up the hill, the hooker raced into the corner. The final Barbarian try came deservedly from Chinn, who tracked Gower to the opposite wing and raced in from 50 metres. 

To their credit, Oldfield kept going till the end and gain a second try at the final whistle.

There were a lot of pluses for the Barbarians, the sparkle of Gower and Chinn, the promise of Howe and Huish, and the determination of the whole group.

Jacob Gower was the Player of the Match.