Somerset Premier: Minehead Barbarians 79, St Bernadettes 0

MINEHEAD took full advantage of the fixture’s schedule as they recorded a convincing home win for the second week running.

Minehead, who play away for the first time this season next week, sit firmly on top of Somerset Premier after a second bonus point win in as many weeks. On another perfect day for running rugby Minehead made a solid start and took the lead after just ten minutes.

David Webber made the hard yards before quick hands put Sam Lewis over for an unconverted try which was followed by a Jack Claydon penalty and the first of three tries for Olly Thomas. Tom Bishop was next to score and also went on to score a hat-trick.

A succession of good handling moves gave Thomas his second try and shortly after he was taken out off the ball in an attacking position. Minehead opted for the scrum and drove in midfield, Bernadettes went off their feet at the breakdown and Jack Claydon took full advantage, going over for the first of his three tries.

Just before half time left wing Mike Bohun put Bishop away for his second and prop Ryan Lewis added the conversion and there was still time for a Martin Cook try before the interbval to make the half time score 40-0.

After the break Ryan Lewis was soon back in the action, rounding off a move started by Tom Bishop before going off to be replaced by Jonno Woolacott.

Olly Thomas showed that he too could be a provider, getting outside his marker before cutting back to give Martin Cook the space to perform the same move on the full back for his second.

Jack Claydon took off on a trademark tap and go for his second try, shortly followed by Bishop’s third, this time converted by Dom Westcott.

Olly Thomas added his third, having again shown a renewed willingness to take on his man on the outside. Minehead skipper Justin Harris then delighted the crowd by fielding the ball from the kick off and weaving his way through the entire defence for a popular individual effort.

Jack Claydon had the last word as he burrowed over wide out to round off a forward drive, bringing the final score to 79-0.

Team: T. Bishop, O. Thomas, D. Richardson, S. Lewis, M. Bohun, M. Cook, J. Claydon, R. Lewis, C. Howells, C. Ware, D. Webber, L. Parker, T. White, P. Deary, J. Harris (Captain). Reps: J. Woolacott, D. Westcott, C. Webber.