MINEHEAD Barbarians visited Chew Valley with nine changes from the team which won at home the previous weekend, so their chances of success seemed slim. However, the Barbarian spirit shone through and they came away with a remarkable 31-27 victory against Valley’s second team in Counties Two Somerset.

From the outset the Barbarians showed determination, Willes carried the ball strongly and Huish made some juddering tackles. The Minehead scrum was under pressure, and much credit goes to Hawker who still managed to get the ball away.

The Barbarians scored first, Willes powered forward, Dellow drove again, when the ball came out Hole ran hard through tackles, and finally Gower slid through a gap to score a try which he converted.

Chew took advantage when given a penalty and kicked 3 points. The home side continued to dominate quality possession and scored their first try for seven more points.

Minehead continued to move the ball at every opportunity, with Gower directing, Senior made breaks to compliment the forceful Hole, and Day was always an attacking threat.

A penalty by Gower tightened the score line again, then Buckingham brought off a try saving tackle, to show how their combined leadership is working.

Chew retook the lead after a series of forward drives saw them crash over by the posts.

The second half was again dominated territorially by the home side, then a vital turnover by Huish allowed Hawker to clear. Baker, and Bruford came on to support the forwards, and Chinn came onto the wing. 

Chew again took the lead when a midfield player crashed through onto a short pass.

The Barbarians started to get space to set Day free, and he crossed the line and was held up. Day got his reward when Hawker and Gower gave him room to beat his man to score the converted try.

The team was lifted and the forwards took a second wind, driving forward. Chinn carried close to the line, Willes ripped the ball infield, and Huish grabbed the converted try. Chew hit back, kicking a penalty.

Minehead’s tenacity was exemplified by a big tackle and counter-ruck by Hole and Gower which turned defence into attack. Room was created, Handley offloaded smartly, Day crossed and Gower converted again to reward the team’s hard work. 

With a slender lead, the final minutes were nail-biting, Chew kept attacking and the Barbarians defended for all they were worth.

A result based on character and effort, credit particularly to those who stepped up, Morgan, Floyd, Dellow and Lock played the full match, and shirked nothing. However new recruit Sam Huish was rewarded with the Man of the Match award. 

Bryan Stevens