MINEHEAD Barbarians' head coach Mick Orton is stepping down at the end of the rugby season.

Orton, who is in his second spell in charge of the Babas, said: "I am 65 and it's time for a younger man to come in and take the reins and build on what we have achieved.

"I have always enjoyed my coaching. It is 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 it's development."

Minehead Barbarians' first team are currently lying fifth in Somerset Two South and have three matches to play before the season ends. They could finish as high as third if they were to win all three fixtures.

They are without a game this weekend (March 15) and Orton added: "The boys deserve a rest after last weekend's tough game away to league leaders Midsomer Norton. They are a very good side indeed. There were areas in which we did compete well, but also areas where we struggled. We can learn from that."

The first team's next game is on Saturday, March 22, when they play Rebels Rugby. They end the season with an away game against the same opposition and a home match against Nailsea and Backwell.

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV, lying fourth in Counties Four Somerset South, are also without a game this weekend. They end the season with two away fixtures - against Morganians and Yeovil.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe are also without senior games on Saturday, March 15, with their 2nd XV set to play at home against Martock in a top of the table clash in Counties Four Somerset South the following weekend. Only one point separates the teams who have played the same number of games.