Somerset 1
Chew Valley II 5, Minehead Barbarians 38

MINEHEAD'S 1st XV travelled away last Saturday to Chew Valley in what was their final fixture of the year.

Chew sat just one place behind the Barbarians in the table and when the two sides met earlier in the season the 34-17 scoreline to Minehead didn't reflect just how close the game was.

Chew have a young squad, with a quick backline and in the first half they played to their strengths, spreading the ball wide at every opportunity and kicking the ball deep into the Minehead 22, where full-back Kyle Lewis was kept busy all afternoon

Lewis was well supported by Westcott, James and Wilcox, who made a return to the squad following a broken jaw earlier in the season.

Minehead were missing several key players through injury and unavailability with Bradley, Harris, Lamacraft, Cox, Baker and Parsons – who would have amassed more than 500 caps between them – all missing from the starting line up.

Coach Mick Orton was still able to select a strong side, having tested players in various positions in many of the games already played, creating depth and knowledge within the squad.

Chew set a fast tempo to the game and got onto the scoresheet within 10 minutes when Minehead's defence was caught napping, allowing their impressive winger to run in under the posts having beaten four defenders from a set scrum, but it went unconverted for 5-0.

Minehead soon found their way onto the front foot by keeping the ball in hand and running short lines close to the rucks.

Just before the half time whistle Henson made an initial carry, followed by Simms, who got held up just short.

A penalty was awarded for not rolling away and a quick tap saw the the ball find Parker, who used his size and strength to crash over and give Minehead a considerable boost.

The conversion was added by Kyle Lewis for 7-5 at half time.

The tactics were now clear and if Minehead were to come away with the important win, and to keep the pressure on at the top of the table, it was a case of sticking to them.

The second half saw some fine running rugby from Minehead, with the forward pack working like a well-oiled machine.

Henson made a welcome return to the squad, picking up two tries with his trademark pick and carries.

Greg Richards was effective at hooker, while captain Ben Willes and prop Swann put in a big shift.

Whenever Chew took possession they again tried to spread the ball wide, but Minehead's defence held strong with Ninnis solid all afternoon and having his best game to date.

Harry Simms, Ryan Lewis and veteran Richard Maddocks, all of them forwards, got over the white wash in the final half an hour of play from set-piece play and exposing the blind side defence, which Chew could not cope with.

Kyle Lewis, starting to find good form with the boot, added three out of five conversions.