There are days when it seems that the gods are against you, with Wells having just such a day yesterday (September 21) when they travelled to top of the table Minehead Barbarians.

Last minute confusion with the shirts, no one available to drive the bus and having to make eight changes to the starting line up. On top of that, they had to play the first half up the slope, into a fresh breeze.

However, the players on the pitch proved remarkably resilient, a 14 minute penalty by the home side brought a wonderful reply from Wells.

A scintillating handling move saw debutant full back Zach Nixon cross for a try, which Sam Garrett converted.

Minehead hit back with a try by their excellent left wing, but then the few travelling supporters were treated to an Alex Knight masterpiece. The centre, receiving the ball fully 40 metres out, set off for the line.

Defender after defender was beaten until just the full back was left. He was brushed aside as Alex crossed for the try.

Late in the half Minehead scored a penalty, but Wells were ahead at the interval, 12 points to 11.

Garrett stretched the lead with an early second half penalty, but thereafter it was a rearguard operation.

Minehead dominated possession from the set pieces and attacked and attacked. Wells defended brilliantly and always seemed to manage the turnover when the home side was close to scoring.

They just could not, however, seem to be able to create the space to put in the long down field clearances which were needed to relieve the pressure. A penalty brought the scores to within a point and then there was a killer try five minutes from the end.

Wells did go on the attack in the closing moments, forcing four penalties close to the line within the space of two minutes, but it was not to be.

A stirring display really deserved more than the one losing bonus point, as the final score was Minehead Barbarians 19 - Wells 15.

This week, Wells are home to Weston-super-Mare Seconds, lunch sponsored by Pilgrim Financial Planning.