MINEHEAD Barbarians will be looking to bounce back after their home loss to Hornets 2nd XV in Counties Two Somerset last weekend when they play away to sixth-placed Avon tomorrow (Sat), writes Barry Knott.

“We expect it to be quite physical - they are a big side,” said Minehead’s head coach Jack Claydon. “It will be another tough game.”

Minehead, in ninth place, lost at home to Hornets 2nd XV last weekend, and Claydon said: “As we expected, Hornets were a very well-drilled and organised team. However, we made it harder on ourselves. We put up a good performance but paid the penalty for moments of lack of concentration. It was certainly a game we could have won.

“There were some excellent individual displays, particularly by David Edwards, George Buckingham, James Cox, Luke Milton and Jacob Gower.

“But we still have injuries - and some of them are taking some time to regain fitness,” added Claydon who has himself been out of action through injury and still has no date for a return.

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV are now without a game in Counties Four Somerset South until they play away to Weston 3nd XV early in the New Year. They are currently bottom of the table with only one win in nine matches.

Meanwhile Wiveliscombe, whose game at home to Bideford last weekend was postponed because of the bad weather, are away to Pirates Amateurs who put up a spirited display before losing 26-20 at home to 100 per cent and title favourites Cullompton last weekend. The Devon outfit have won all 13 of their matches and are nine points clear of the rest of the field.

Wiveliscombe, who were chasing a double against Bideford, are lying sixth with a record of six victories and six losses.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV are home to Bridgwater & Albion 2nd XV in Counties Three South West. Bridgwater have had 20 points deducted this season which has left them near the foot of the table.

Wiveliscombe have slipped to eighth place after their defeat by Wellington.