MINEHEAD Barbarians will be looking to strengthen second place in Counties Two Somerset when they play at home to Chew Valley 2nd XV on Saturday, December 21 (2.30).

The Babas, who have a doubt over the fitness of scrum half Will Hawker who injured a shoulder at Oldfield last weekend and had to come off, have won eight of their 11 matches this season but trail leaders Midsomer Norton by 12 points. Valley are lying ninth, having won five of their matches.

Midsomer Norton, who have been piling up the points this season, will be chasing their 11th win of the season when they play at home to third-placed Avon who are only two points adrift of Minehead.

“I think we have done really well so far this season to get where we are,” said Minehead’s head coach Mick Orton. “But we have a tough January coming up.”

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV go into their away match against Burnham on Sea lying third in Counties Four Somerset South, while their opponents are one place below them.

Martock and Wiveliscombe are the top two teams in this division and have opened up a big gap over the Barbarians.