Despite the heavy rain, the Seconds game against Crewkerne went ahead on Saturday. This was Norton's first game in five weeks and only their second since Christmas due to the extreme weather conditions.
This long-enforced break was very apparent as the visitors took a long time to get into their stride, by which time the game was all but over as a contest.
The hosts, whose pitch stood up well despite the conditions, have benefited from playing regularly and eased into an unassailable lead in the first period. This allowed them to clinch a four-try bonus point before Norton really got going.
The only thing Norton had to show for their first- half efforts was a penalty from full back, Tom Rideout.
In the second period, Norton began to refind their form and their driving maul proved especially productive. A number of these mauls increased the pressure on the Crewkerne defence and flanker, David Sawkins, and winger, Ross Miller, both capitalised for two well-taken tries.
The strong running of centre, Fionnton McDermott, was impressive all afternoon and replacement scrum half, Sam Knight, looked sharp after a long layoff with a shoulder injury. All in all though, Norton were well beaten and will be looking for a marked improvement when they travel to Old Sulians next Saturday.
Ian Tiley