The third’s bounced back from their previous week’s loss to Chew Valley with a resounding first win of the season against local rivals Frome.

Midsomer Norton 3rd xv 33-12 Frome 3rd xv

Norton used the wind to their advantage in the first half. They outscored their visitors four tries to one to take a commanding lead.

Winger Chris Barlow had an excellent game and after some good quick ruck ball danced his way through for the first try. Fly half Jon Parry was in fine form with the boot and converted all but one of Norton’s tries.

Number eight Dafydd Evans powered over for a second soon after from close range, before Frome hit back with a try of their own.

Norton responded almost immediately, a strong scrum saw the ball worked wide, and fly half Parry cut against the grain to score an excellent try.

The final try of the half was added when great pressure allowed captain Ian Tiley to pounce on a charged down clearance and crash over for a try.

The second half was all about solid defence. Try as Frome could they just couldn’t break the resolute Norton defence. Full back Chris Briggs marshalled the defence brilliantly and along with centre Mark Gallagher kept any wide attacks at bay. The pack worked very, very hard in the tight, and repelled the visitors time after time.

Frome did eventually break the deadlock after seventy minutes with a well taken try, but Norton sealed the win from the kick off. The strong wind blew the ball back towards the Norton chasers and hooker Ronnel Tayag made a typically searing break. Tackled just short his brother Ralph was on his shoulder to go over for a very well deserved try.

Alex Davis