MINEHEAD Barbarians' retiring head coach Mick Orton has admitted it was a 'big disappointment' for him and the club to have its last rugby match of the season called off.

The Babas were due to play at home to Nailsea & Backwell 2nd XV in Counties Two Somerset on Saturday, April 5, but their opponents cried off because they could not raise a side.

"It would have been lovely to have ended my days as head coach with a match in front of our supporters," said Orton.

"I'm afraid it’s how rugby is going these days. Clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to raise sides. Players have other things to do."

But he added: "It has been a good season - and I have enjoyed it. It has been satisfying to see second team players coming through this season.

"One of our aims this season was to have more strength in depth within the club which I think we have achieved."

Orton, who has ended his second season in charge and has been head coach for nine seasons, announced he was stepping down in mid-March.

He said at the time: "I'm 65 and it's time for a younger man to come in and take the reins and build on what we have achieved this season.

"I have always enjoyed my coaching - it's what I get out of bed for in the mornings.

"But I have to think of the future and what happens next. The club needs a younger person to come in and lead it to the next stage of its development."

Minehead were awarded five points following the postponement of the Nailsea game and achieved a fourth-place finish in the division, only one point behind third-placed Avon.

Midsomer Norton were the outstanding side in the division, winning 21 of their 22 matches and finishing 26 points clear of second-placed Clevedon.