Midsomer Norton kicked off their pre-season programme with a friendly against Combe Down, from Bath, last Saturday. A squad of close to thirty players were assembled from across the club's four teams, with everyone being given game time and a chance to improve their early season fitness.
The game was played in quarters, with changes being made every twenty minutes. Inevitably, this led to a bit of a disjointed game, but one in which there were some very positive signs for the coming season.
The back line looked solid throughout, with centre, Rob Fuller, impressing with his surging runs. He was ably supported by the strong running of returning Finn McDermott. Scrum half, Andrew Best, showed signs of promise, as did Luggy Jeffery on the wing. Replacement winger, Jon Parry, was also extremely unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when he nearly scored in the corner.
The pack were strong in the scrummage, but were perhaps guilty of not punishing the opposition when they had them on the back foot. The line-out didn't function quite so well, but this improved as the game went on. With a further four weeks until the league season begins in earnest, there is plenty of time, however, for Norton to perfect their set-piece.
As it was, Norton edged the game by four tries to three, which came courtesy of prop, Matthew Edgell, who crashed over in the corner, flanker, Joe Button, who scored from a pick and go, fly-half, Adam Sinden, who recovered his own kick ahead to score near the posts and the game-sealing try came from flanker, David Sawkins, who scored following an excellent catch and drive. Ben Moon added two conversions.
With a number of senior players unavailable or injured at present, Norton can be very happy with their first run-out of the season. They have a week off next Saturday before their next scheduled friendly against a touring Welsh side from Newport, on Saturday, 30th August.
The First Team's pre-season warm-up programme concludes against Frome on Saturday, 6th September, before their Southern Counties League opener away to Sherborne on Saturday, 13th September. The Second and Third Team begin their league season a week earlier, with the Seconds away to Hornets and the Thirds entertaining Walcot, at Norton Down.