MINEHEAD Barbarians Under 9s travelled to Taunton to take part in a county-wide festival - and began with a game against Bridgwater .

The Minehead team all came out with massive smiles on their faces, strong and ready to play. They started with a great attack and strong passing line and one mistake from Bridgwater led to a cracking Minehead try scored by Poppy Coles.

As the game continued the Minehead defence held firm but after some heroic tackling a gap appeared for Bridgwater to score. By the end of the first half the Barbarians had five tries on the board.

Minehead started strongly and after a cracking pass and line break from Jack Westwood they chalked up their sixth try. Although the defence was unbreakable Bridgwater kept on coming at Minehead and eventually scored, taking their third try.

The Minehead tries this game were scored by: Beau Barry, Poppy Cole’s and Jack Westwood.

The second game kicked off against Yeovil, and early on one cracking try saving tackle from Beau Barry saw him being dragged across the pitch at least five metres. The ball then found it’s way into Harry Passmore’s hands who made gaps in Yeovil’s defence driving the ball towards the try line. The ball was then popped to Beau who couldn’t quite make it but Poppy Coles showed great support and scored Minehead’s first try of the game.

Yeovil drew in Minehead’s players making it easier for them to score a try, but this didn’t stop or dishearten the team. Minehead spread the ball to the wing and found Freddie Johnson in the bottom corner who scored a try before the end of the first half. Minehead kept up their spirits and chased Yeovil down to the very last whistle. The try scorers in the Yeovil game were Beau Barry, Poppy Coles and Freddie Johnson.

The third game was against North Petherton and Minehead knew they were in for a tough game after playing them before this season but were ready for the challenge. They ended the day as it started with huge smiles, just a bit muddy.

At the end of the day the Minehead Barbarians Under 9s were lucky enough to meet England international Ellis Genge, which made an enjoyable day even more memorable.

Pictured left to right: Beau Barry, Poppy Coles, Noah Evans, Henry Cockerill, Jack Westwood, Sam Nicholson, Freddie Johnson and Dara Magil (Ellis Genge at the back).