A TOP THREE end of season finish remains Minehead Barbarians’ top target, says head coach Mick Orton.

Minehead are currently lying fourth, but are only two points behind Weston super Mare’s second string with a game in hand.

Minehead play at home to Stothert and Pitt tomorrow (2.30pm) and Orton said: “Finishing in the top three is still our goal. It is very much in our hands provided we can maintain consistency with player availability.

“I think it is the same for everyone. Sometimes everyone is available and sometimes no one. I think since Covid and lockdown everyone has found other things to do. It has been going on for a long time. They get into the habit of doing other things.”

Minehead go into tomorrow’s game against the Bath side having chalked up an 87-0 away victory last weekend over the division’s bottom side Crewkerne who have not won a game this season despite 20 starts.

“This certainly helped our points difference,” added Orton. “It could make a difference at the end of the season.”

Minehead will be looking to complete the double over Stothert, having beaten the Bath side 16-7 away in early November. Stothert are lying 11th in the table and went down 22-7 at home to Wells last time out.

Minehead’s victory at Crewkerne was their 12th of the season but they are still a long way behind leaders Nailsea &Backwell and Hornets who are by far the outstanding sides in the division.

They are fighting it out for the title and have built up a big lead over the sides chasing them.

Minehead 2nd XV, who had no match last weekend, have a derby game away to Wiveliscombe in Somerset Two South tomorrow. Although Wiveliscombe’s young team went down 22-15 at Wells last weekend, they are still only 14 points behind leaders Chard with two games in hand. Minehead, on the other hand, are second from bottom with only four victories from 16 matches.

Wiveliscombe end an enforced break with a home game in Western Counties West tomorrow against Honiton who have played 20 matches this season and have yet to win a game or even draw. They are 19 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Wiveliscombe are in 11th spot and will be looking for their eighth victory of the season.