Midsomer Norton Rugby Club played hosts to local rivals, Keynsham, last Saturday and were just edged out in a battling display. The visitors were lively from the start and scored a converted try after ten minutes. Norton soon got back into the game using the slope to their advantage and ten minutes later, after a sustained period of pressure, they struck back when lock, Ben Parker, went over for a try to bring the score to 5–7 in Keynsham's favour.
As the game progressed, Norton's initially off-radar line-out improved and delivered some good possession. This allowed fly-half, Ben Taylor, to run the game, unleashing Norton's backs with centre, Alex Mitchard, looking especially threatening. Alex made numerous line breaks, gaining many yards, but the home team were unable to secure quick ball to continue the attacking moves. The scrummage continues to be Norton's primary source of ball and this allowed them to camp in the visiting team's territory. This pressure resulted in Norton adding a penalty and a further try through prop, Matthew Edgell, before the break. This put the home side into a half-time lead by 13–7.
Norton started the second half quietly and soon conceded a penalty. Ten minutes later, following a lapse in communication between the home side's backs, Keynsham pounced on a loose ball to score an unconverted try.
Norton's Captain, Matthew Denning, returned to the field after a forced rest to rally his team and scrum half, Ben Moon, added a second penalty goal to make it a one point game.
Both teams were now looking for the next score to close out the game, each attacking at every opportunity. Unfortunately for the home side, it was Keynsham who made the most of the slope to gain the win, scoring a converted try to finish the game 16–24
winners.
Norton really need to start putting some hard work in during midweek if they are to turn these narrow losses into victories.
Next week, Midsomer Norton venture into the unknown as they travel to Gloucester to take on Matson.