The First Team travelled to Bristol on Saturday and came away with a comfortable win as they completed the league double over Bristol Harlequins. The bonus point win was achieved despite the poor playing conditions, as Norton ran in five tries in a dominant performance.
Playing with the wind at their backs, Norton knew that they needed to take advantage in the first period. Good driving from the forwards, coupled with some well-judged kicking from fly-half, Ben Taylor, kept Quins on the back foot.
Norton's play soon began to pile on the pressure. Centre, Alex Mitchard, was unlucky not to gather a charge-down before prop, Matt Edgell, claimed the first try. A strong carry from lock, Jamie
Gimson, set up the field position and when the ball was worked wide, Edgell was on hand to power over.
The visitors didn't let off and full-back, Adam Sinden, soon doubled the lead when a well-executed back move saw him in space. He broke inside the covering defender and then dummied and weaved his way to the line for an excellently taken try. Scrum half, Ben Moon, added the conversion.
Norton increased their lead before half-time. The line-out was functioning really well, with locks, Ty Moss and Gimson, winning good clean balls. This allowed the pack to get their driving maul working and as Quins wilted, flanker, Matthew Denning, claimed the third try of the day. Moon again converted to give Norton a 19–0 lead at half-time.
The second half saw Quins have a little more of the possession, but it was Norton who outscored the hosts by two tries to one.
After several passages of play, the ball was worked wide to winger, Sam Prentice, who still had a lot of work to do. His pace saw him outstrip the home defence and run in a try from sixty metres to ensure the four-try bonus point.
Back came Quins who registered their only score of the day when they finally crashed over from close range.
Norton's response was almost immediate though, as a good kick was followed up and Quins turned the ball over. Good interplay saw the ball worked to Mitchard, who broke a tackle to charge over. Moon again converted and sealed the win with a penalty.
This weekend, weather permitting, Norton are home to Barton Hill.