Following last week's disappointing performance at North Bristol, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club's First Team bounced straight back with a win. They were rewarded for a much more spirited display which saw them beat Bristol Harlequins for the first time in a number of years.

The match got underway after a minute's silence for David Smith, the Somerset RFU President elect, who died last weekend in a car accident. David was a long-time member of Old Sulians RFC and was well known

locally as a referee and for his work with the Referee's

Society. He had been a representative for the Bath Combination clubs in Somerset, as well as holding positions at Somerset RFU on the Discipline and Competitions Committees.

Bristol Harlequins kicked off after Captain, Matthew Denning, won the toss and elected to play up the slope and into the wind. With no clear call to catch the ball, the kick-off was fumbled and the match restarted with a scrum. From the start, Quins were keen to get their large number eight into the game, but Norton's defence stood solid, which it continued to do for the whole game.

The visitors were first on the scoresheet though after Norton were penalised at the breakdown and the kick was successful to put them 3–0 up.

After about 25 minutes of play, the heavens opened and for five minutes, the match was played in torrential rain. The Norton pack seemed to enjoy this and muscled their way through the elements up into the visitors' half after a series of pick and drives. The Bristol side were keeping the home side's forwards at bay, but the ball was passed out to the centres, with Alex Mitchard breaking through one tackle and offloading to his supporting centre partner, Jack Rowles, who dived in near to the posts for Norton to take the lead.

Scrum half, Ben Moon, added the extras, making the score 7–3 at the break, with Norton turning round with the elements now in their favour.

Norton kicked off and started the half well, with replacement, Jamie Gimson, on for Ben Parker, tackling the ball catcher into touch to give a good attacking ball. The resulting lineout was fumbled due to the poor weather conditions though and Quins were able to clear their lines.

The home side were then reduced to fourteen men,

losing one to the sin bin after giving away too many penalties, but the visitors were unable to capitalise on the extra man as Norton's defence remained strong.

During the half, Norton were unlucky not to extend their lead with a number of driving mauls collapsing short of the Quins' line and a couple of penalty shots being blown wide by the strong winds.

The second half finished with the same score as it had started and Norton secured their third win of the season. The coaching staff were a lot happier with the effort and commitment which ensured vital league points.