MINEHEAD Barbarians went down 27pts-17 at Winscombe in a re-arranged Somerset Premier match.

This fixture, re-arranged to Easter Saturday, was not particularly welcomed by either side due to players having made previous arrangements for what should have been a blank week. However, this gave Minehead the opportunity to give 18-year-old Eli Hayes the chance to be the latest in a long line of Barbarians players to follow in his father’s footsteps in making a solid debut at prop.

Appearances by the talented Olly Parfitt at centre have been limited in recent seasons but he did enough to show what an asset he could be, if regularly available. Dave Harris, who is a key member of the 2nds, stepped up to the plate and never took a step back all afternoon. Ross Cox marked his first appearance of the season with a try, Matt Holman whose 100 per cent appearance at training and 2nd XV form was also rewarded, while Colin Howells and Geoff Cook rolled back the years to supplement the squad.

Winscombe took an early five-point lead which was soon cancelled by a Kyle Lewis try, during the build up to which, Bert Webber dislocated his shoulder. This was a major blow and Colin Howells took over at hooker with Joe Barrett moving to the flank where he was prominent in the loose throughout.

A Winscombe penalty put them further ahead and this was followed by two further tries before half time. Things looked bleak for the visitors when the Winscombe outside centre went in under the posts from 35m. The game was effectively over at 27-5 but Minehead still battled away.

Coming into the last quarter, Minehead forced their way into the home 22. Harris broke left, finding skipper Ryan Lewis in support who looked as though he might make the line before spotting the outstretched arms of 6ft 5in lock Ross Cox steaming up the wing and lobbing him an looping overhead pass, well taken by Cox, who crashed over with such an impact that he was unable to take any further part in the game.

Harris also set up the last try before the pack to drive over for Ryan Lewis to claim the score which was converted. Man of the match: Justin Harris.

Team: T Bishop, D Farmer, T Ninnes, O Parfitt, K Lewi, R Lewis (capt), J Barrett, E Hayes, R Griffiths, R Cox, D Harris, D Edwards, M Holman, C Howells, G Cook.