DESPITE going down 21-12 against second placed Winscombe, Minehead again proved that they can compete with the best teams in the Tribute Somerset Premier as the pack again came out on top.

But for the second week running they came up against a side with a line-breaking centre combination and that proved to be decisive.

The first half was even until the half hour when a massive effort in the tight gave Minehead’s gutsy scrum half Ryan Nunn the momentum to penetrate deep into the 22.

The pack again took charge to set up a try in the corner touched down by the ever-dependable Richard Hen-son and converted by Rob Gurnett.

Winscombe were quick to respond as strong running and quick passing released their left winger who had looked a danger throughout.

He looked unstoppable as he sped in from halfway but a potential try- saving tackle was judged to have been high and a penalty try was awarded.

Held to 7-7 at the break, Wins-combe tried to nullify Minehead’s forward superiority by keeping the game alive at every opportunity.

And despite the close attention of the Minehead back row on their outside half, slick passing and well- timed off loads forced centres Ross Bradley and Dom Westcott to desperate measures in defence.

Ed O’Hare again proved his worth as a genuinely speedy open side flanker, getting across to support them time and again, but eventually Winscombe were able to launch another decisive strike on the left flank and score a try in the corner which was well converted for a 14-7 lead.

Minehead came back strongly, forcing Winscombe to concede a penalty for killing the ball on halfway.

Rob Gurnett’s well-judged kick gave Minehead an attacking line-out some 15 to 20 metres from the line.

The pack grabbed their opportunity, driving on with their chant of ‘One-Two One-Two’ ringing across the field they released Tom Claydon at his destructive best on the peel who proved unstoppable.

A successful kick would have levelled the scores but it was not to be.

Still playing catch-up and trying to keep the opposition in their own half to take full advantage of their forward power, Minehead fell into the trap of kicking too deep, risking the chance of a counter-attack and when in possession trying to take on a man too many and getting turned over.

A final Winscombe midfield break put the left wing in again, the conversion denying Minehead the consolation of a losing bonus point.

O’Hare was man-of-the-match again in his last game in a black and white shirt this season.

Minehead: P Faletoilala, K Lewis, D Westcott R Bradley, T Bishop, D Gurnett, R Nunn, R Parsons, J Baker (capt), L Parker, G Richards, E O’Hare, R Henson, D Harris, T Claydon, B Willes and W Wilcox.