MINEHEAD Barbarians went down 41-27 away to Rebels Rugby in Counties Two Somerset, having played the same opposition only eight days earlier. The previous Saturday Minehead had taken the honours, but it was the home side that prevailed on this occasion.

The match started well for Minehead, but some crucial injuries vital times, and a dominant home scrum, swayed the game. The game started tight and competitive, with Allerton making some big tackles in mid-field, and then Bullard showed his pace carrying the ball out of defence.

After only 10 minutes Fritz showed his class. Floyd carried well, then Lynch worked the short side and gave his wing a chance. Fritz skinned his opponent and raced over for Lynch to convert. More good attacking work by the team took them close, and when they won a penalty, Lynch added the extra points.

One of the pluses for the season has been the emergence of young players such as Ed Allen, and Sam How, and How, certainly impressed with a number of sharp bursts.

Minehead extended their lead when the ball went to Martins on the outside, he broke the first tackle and then kicked ahead; he chased the kick but Day won the race to score.

Now Rebels started to exert pressure, Day showed bravery with a last-ditch tackle, and then Buckingham won a vital turnover. However the weight of the Rebels’ forwards started to tell, and good ball became scarcer for Minehead.

Then injuries became an issue, as first Fritz, and then later Allerton, had to leave the field; their loss was felt as Minehead had to use replacements earlier than they hoped.

Rebels gained reward as they scored from a clever chip ahead. Soon after their scrum dominance won a penalty, they tapped, and powered over to score by the home side’s heavy forwards. There was just time for a try saving tackle by Chinn before the halftime whistle.

With Roberts sustaining an ankle injury the problems mounted for the Barbarians, but they fought on with determination. Hawker, as usual, battled away despite the pressure on him, and Willes shouldered even more responsibility in the pack.

Rebels extended their lead as they laid siege to the Minehead line. Then some relief as Lynch added another penalty goal for the Barbarians.

Tries for the Rebels came as they gained the upper hand, but a moment of brilliance from Hawker saw him break from his own 22, and was only caught as he approached the far tryline. The many Minehead supporters that had travelled to cheer on their side then saw the team score. Willes caught at a line-out, and his pack drove him forwards and Bullard took the try.

A final score by the home side’s fullback, who once again showed quality play, brought the end of the game.

The match was also notable as a final outing for the two young South Africans who have spent the season living and playing rugby with Minehead Barbarians. Shalon Martins and Mu-eed Fritz have been wonderful guests of our club, and have been superb ambassadors for their country. Everyone at the Barbarians wishes them well for the future, and sends their very best wishes with them as they return home.

Bryan Stevens