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Minehead Barbarians 87, Bridgwater & Albion 2nds 0

BRIDGWATER 2nds had a tough start to the season at a strong Minehead Barbarians side, and duly suffered.

They conceded 87 points in total, and will hope for better this coming Saturday, at home to Old Redcliffians 2nds.

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Morganians 34, Keynsham 2nds 27

MORGANIANS hosted a good Keynsham side in their first ever fixture in Somerset 1 and, as if playing at the highest level in the club’s history wasn’t challenge enough, last-minute withdrawals meant that the home side could only field a playing squad of 17.

But the early signs were good for Morgs, with their young pack looking solid and the pacy backs dangerous.

And they led when Will Hopkins went over after good play from Jordan Cooper in the lineout, with Jordan Mein converting.

Keynsham hit back, their forwards battering their way over, but Morgs soon had another try – Dave Harris’ offload setting up Rory McGeown to carve through to score in the corner.

More powerful forward play gave the visitors their second try, before Morgs’ captain Cooper dislocated his shoulder, meaning a spell on the sidelines awaits.

Undeterred, the hosts grabbed two more tries through Hopkins and Josh Cooper, meaning a 26-10 half-time lead.

After the break, Mein scored a 40-yard penalty and Jack Criddle profited from more fine play to go over for 34-10.

Yet Morgs’ Jason Richards and Lewis Croker were both carded, and with their opponents down to 13 Keynsham scored three tries to narrow the gap to seven points and set up a frantic finale.

The hosts, back up to 15 players, ultimately held on to win their opening match.

This weekend sees them at home again, versus Bristol Barbarians.

With a long season ahead, Morgs will continue to seek to strengthen the squad and encourage players of any ability to come and train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Chedzoy Lane.

The minis section is also up and running, meeting at the ground at 10am on Sunday mornings.

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North Petherton 2nds 5, Chew Valley 2nds 58

NORTH Petherton 2nd XV lost 58-5 at home to Chew Valley 2nds on Saturday.

This coming weekend sees them travel to Bath Old Edwardians.