MINEHEAD Barbarians have become firm favourites to finish third in Somerset Premier following their thrilling victory over leaders Hornets last weekend.

“I would like to think we will finish third, although it’s not a done-deal,” said head coach Mick Orton who was delighted with his side’s 36-34 home victory over the Weston side. We managed to field a very strong team and I think it was our best performance of the season. The ground was packed and it was a good day all round.”

Minehead are now seven points clear of fourth-placed Weston who went down 54-33 away to Nailsea and Backwell who are now back on top of the table - albeit by only one point. Weston have only two games remaining while Minehead have three.

Meanwhile, Minehead will be chasing the season’s double over Avon when they travel to play the fifth-placed side in the division, having won 21-15 at home in December.

Minehead 2nd XV, who lost 32-15 at home to Yeovil in Somerset Two South last weekend, are home again tomorrow - against Burnham on Sea who are lying eighth, one place above the Babas.

Wiveliscombe, who put up a spirited display before losing 48-19 away to 100 per cent leaders Wadebridge Camels in Western Counties West last weekend, have another tough game tomorrow at home to Newton Abbot who are lying second.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV are home to Somerset Two South leaders Chard who are certain to finish top unless something unforeseen happens - that is they are deducted points.

Wiveliscombe’s hopes of the title were dashed when they lost 20-5 away to Castle Cary last weekend. It left them 16 points behind the South Somerset outfit with only three games remaining.