Minehead Barbarians RFC

The league opener for the stags was set to be a stern test against newcomers Winscombe III and the first 15 minutes looked like becoming a difficult afternoon. From the whistle Winscombe pressed on every error and drove well at the stags and came away with a deserved penalty for ruck infringements. Getting back to half way for the first time the stags seemed to take a new approach and control and power turned the game in favour of the home side when several plays from a strong scrum put H.Evans over in the corner. From there the stags grew in confidence and the forwards dominated in all aspects with Cherry, Hirst, Davis and Allen to name a few, putting in hard runs and strong rucking forcing mistakes from the visitors and the backs capitalised to run in 3 more scores before the break, Trappnel (2), Bretherton and a superb drive over try by the scrum. The second half started as the first ended with an early try and dominance in all aspects. Several changes made for more tries with Bretherton, Hopwood (2) and Batts, finishing in style. 3 conversions from Batts helped edge the score further and only a consolation interception try helped the visitors. In all a superb start to the season and only training and dedication will help keep the early momentum. Combe House ‘Man of the Match’ Martin Cherry for an impressive forwards display of power and control.