Despite the one-sided looking scoreline, Midsomer Norton put in a brilliant performance on Saturday when they travelled to Cheddar Valley Second XV.

The host side were bolstered by a large contingent of First Team players after their game fell foul of the weather. This didn’t put Norton off though, and they really took the game to their opposition.

Such was their effort, that they only trailed 5–0 at half-time, before understandably falling away a little late in the second half.

Norton’s full back, Dean Evans, made an excellent senior adult debut with a number of important tackles. He was backed up by some excellent play in the loose from flankers, Ty Dallimore and Charlie Gumbleton. Lock, Tom Hillier, was his usual combative self, and this helped Norton keep the hosts at bay.

Norton’s best attacking threat came from fly half, Luke Williams, who had a strong game, both in defence and attack. Several times Norton looked to open up the defence, but were stopped just short. There was some reward for the visitors when Williams kicked a well-earned penalty in the second period.

The front row of Will Rogers, James Todd and Ronnel Tayag also deserve a mention, after getting through a lot of work against a bigger opposition pack.

Norton are on the road again this week when they travel to Trowbridge in a Bath Combination friendly game.