Somerset Premier

Minehead Barbarians 23 Stothert & Pitt 19

IN easily their best performance of the season, Minehead Barbarians came from behind to beat their third-placed visitors in a nailbiting finish.

Minehead looked comfortable in the early exchanges before a Dom Westcott penalty gave them an early three-point lead.

But, with a quarter of an hour gone, they paid the price for an uncontrolled slapdown at the back of the lineout which was seized upon by Stothert’s fly-half who went in all the way under the posts for a converted try.

Minehead looked a much tighter unit than of late with Ryan Nunn looking dangerous but Stothert went further ahead when their left winger went over in the corner for a 12-3 lead.

The whole Minehead pack rose to the challenge, none more so than Leigh Parker whose work rate was outstanding.

After a number of decisive carries, he used all his power and determination to power through the defence and go over for the try, but the kick failed.

This score gave Minehead the confidence to expand their off-loading game but, just when they were looking dangerous, they lost possession and, once again, the visitors spun the ball out wide to lead 19-8 at the break.

Minehead full-back Kyle Lewis, who had his best game of this campaign, has regained his confidence and willingness to run back into space and one incisive burst resulted in a well-timed release for the centres to put winger Chris James over wide out - and at 13-19 they were right back in it.

Full-back Lewis made another dangerous break but, although this time Minehead were unable to retain possession, they maintained the pressure to win a penalty in front of the posts, slotted over by Westcott to narrow the deficit to three points.

Both sides could now scent victory, throwing caution to the wind in search of the decisive score, and it was Minehead who finally saw left wing Chris James use his strength to go over in the top corner.

Dom Westcott’s magnificent kick sailed over and Minehead held on to seal a richly-deserved 23-19 win, in which every member played his part.

The man of the match award went to lock Leigh Parker.