Minehead Barbarians head coach Andrew Stevens was left pleased by his sides bonus point win at Chew Valley on Saturday.

Stevens described the referee as ‘a card’ after the game - but also said that he was pleased with the way his players responded to the strange refereeing decisions.

He said: “Some of the ref’s decisions were strange and to be honset he seemed completely out of his depth. It was a situation where everyone involved could have become quite heated but when people asked him why he gave certain decisions his answer were so bizarre no-one really got angry.

“It was almost farcical and at one point I had to go for a walk to calm down but the lads just put up with it and got on with the job in hand.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with them.”

This Saturday Minehead will be expecting a more accomplished refereeing performance as they welcome Taunton United, the Hyde Park second string, to West Somerset.

Taunton started then season in Somerset premier as one of the form sides but have since dropped off the pace and are in relegation trouble as their player pool has dwindled.

With players unable to register for both the first and second teams at Taunton many have sought playing time at other clubs - leaving Taunton short handed and struggling.

Stevens said: “I’ve every sympathy with Taunton, they’re in a tough situatiion and it seems odd to me that the RFU are making life so difficult for clubs like Taunton.

“With that said we’ll still be looking to beat them on Saturday. The form book says we should do so easily but we take nothing for granted and expect a tough game.

Minehead, who will be without centre Andy Ford, get their game under way at 2.30pm.