Minehead Under-9s put in some spirited performances at the Wellington Mini Rugby Festival .

Match one saw a sleepy Minehead face Wellington Lions, and neither side were able to score a try in the first half, which in part was down to strong defending by both sides, in particular Sam Gorton and Sam Huish for Minehead.

Gorton was unlucky to be held up by most of the Lions’ defence just short of the line.

The second half was just as close, Huish breaking the deadlock with a well-deserved try, only for the Lions to cancel the lead immediately from the restart.

Tristan Sandy was unlucky to be piled into touch feet from the line in the final seconds to leave the final score 5-5.

Match Two saw Minehead have a chance to avenge a recent defeat to Ivel Barbarians, but again, lack of shape, too many dropped passes, and an almost team-wide inability to tackle saw Ivel dominate with two tries in the first half.

Ben Lock managed to break through early in the second half, but Ivel’s defence held after that, despite strong runs from Gorton and Tisshaw through the centre.

A third score for Ivel saw them safely win the encounter 15-5.

Wellington Tigers came next, and with it a glimpse of the running and passing by White, Mouzouri and Floyd that Minehead have been trying to add to their game this season.

Sadly, Howard at fly-half had to leave the pitch after taking a huge tackle, and the team lost shape sufficiently for the Tigers to take advantage and score two quick tries.

Yet again, hopeful throws instead of passes cost Minehead crucial possession, and they were unable to make up lost ground in the second half, eventually losing 10-0.

Tiverton were their last opponents, with Minehead confident having won there the previous weekend.

But Tiverton take the lead early on and Minehead again had to chase and loss of possession at the breakdown cost them dearly.

Pressure on the Tiverton line, mainly from Tisshaw constantly tackling their half-backs and three-quarters saw a gap finally appear for Mouzouri to cross for his only try of the day and take them level at the break.

Tisshaw continued his one-man offensive on the Tiverton line, and was rewarded with a try to see Minehead lead a match for the first time all day.

Sadly the lead was short-lived, with Tiverton running in three quick scores to take a commanding lead with time fast running out.

Man-of-the-match Tisshaw’s efforts were rewarded with his second try of the day only for time to run out, and for Tiverton to emerge as 20-15 winners.

Team: Sam Perrone, Joel Floyd, Sam Huish, Tristan Sandy, Ben Mouzouri, Toby Tisshaw, Finnley Hall, Bradley Baker, Alfie Kelly-Gallagher, Chelsea Howard, Ben Lock, Rob White, Byron Sullivan, Edward Howard, David Morris, Sam Gorton.