It was a night of celebration and thanks for everyone’s hard work and participation during the past season. This season has seen both our first and second teams finish 4th place in their respective divisions,
More importantly than this, we have seen numerous young players come through and a few older ones return. Despite our 1st team being given two home walkovers this season due to Wells and Nailsea not being able to raise a side, the club should be really proud of the fact that we fulfilled every 1st and 2nd team fixture during the 2024-25 season. A huge thanks must go to the players and their families for making this happen.
The presentation evening was brought forward this year from its usual May date. The club decided to do this for two reasons. The first being to make it more connected to the season, we have a relatively small pool of players, and they have other interests in the summer such as cricket, so we wanted to strike while the iron was still hot.
The other reason was that we wanted to pay tribute to our two South African players Shalon Martins and Mu-eed Frits; both have been revelations this season and brought a mystique and positivity to the club. They were both presented with signed shirts and team photos from the players and club. A special thanks to everyone that made their stay possible. We are now looking at next season's overseas player opportunities.
Thank you’s and gifts were shared for our volunteers and committee members but the biggest thank you of the evening from the whole club went to Mick Orton. Mick is retiring from the head coach position after two stints over the last 10 years.
Mick has been a brilliant servant to Minehead Barbarians and given his heart and soul, a true Barbarian. Everyone has improved under his stewardship and become better players and better people. Mick steered the club through the tragedy of Freddie Pring’s passing and that will never be forgotten by everyone involved. Mick will be hard to replace as a coach and more importantly a person.
Mick announced his decision to step down a month ago, saying ‘it’s time for a younger man to come in and take the reins and build on what we have achieved. The club needs a younger person to come in and lead it to the next stage of its development.’
Thank you to all that have supported Minehead Barbarians this season, without you the club does not function.
Awards included: 1st XV Player of the year - Jointly awarded to George Buckingham and Sam Chinn; 1st XV Players Player 2025 – Jordan Hole; Top Try Scorer - Mu-eed Fritz; 2nd XV Player of the year - Harry Reeder; 2nd XV Players Player 2025 – Harry Reeder; Man of Steel Award - Reuben Wyburn; Arthur Philips Young Player - Reece Hollingsworth; Martin Letchford Award – Kyle Lewis; Clubman of the year - Matt Holman.
Minehead Barbarians’ first team played in Counties Two Somerset, winning 14 of their 22 matches, with a plus points total of 169.
Minehead Barbarians’ second team played in Counties Four Somerset South, winning ten of their 18 matches, with a minus points total of 41.