MINEHEAD Barbarians remain fourth in Counties Two Somerset despite their heavy loss away to Hornets 2nd XV last weekend.

The Babas crashed 61-5 but head coach Mick Orton said afterwards: “It was all about preparation. We arrived only an hour before the scheduled start and didn’t have the time to prepare probably.

“I regard preparation before a game as massive. And it just wasn’t there.

“I think the players and myself learnt a lot about themselves. It wasn’t a case of not fielding a strong side. We fielded the strongest possible team we could.

“We lost the game in the first half when we were warming up. They only scored two tries after the interval.”

Minehead, who have no match this weekend, will be back in action on Saturday, November 9, when they have a home game against Imperial in the league.

Despite their latest loss, the Babas are only seven points behind the leaders Midsomer Norton who have lost only one of their opening seven matches. 

Meanwhile Wiveliscombe, who also lost heavily 47-17 away to leaders Paignton in Western Counties West last weekend, are home to second-placed Plymstock Albion Oaks on Saturday, October 9.