A strong Midsomer Norton squad hosted Malpas RFC, from Newport, on Saturday in an entertaining pre-season friendly. The game was played at a good pace with the hosts eventually easing their way to a seven try to one victory.
The visitors played a full part in a hard-fought game and dominated for one of the twenty minute periods to ensure Norton were given a stern physical test.
It was Norton who kept the scoresheet ticking over though with lock, Dafydd Evans, opening the scoring as he tore through a gap and raced in from the 22. Centre, Jack Rowles, added the second from close range as Norton began to dominate.
Malpas' big pack kept working the smaller Norton pack, but when the game went uncontested, Norton continued to pull away. Further tries followed out wide as Ben Moon, Ben Taylor and Tom Rideout twice outpaced the visitors' defence.
Malpas got the reward their efforts deserved when they went over from close range after a prolonged period of pressure.
Norton then rounded off the scoring with a deserved try for flanker Andrew Davis, with Taylor adding four conversions to seal the win.
All in all, it was an encouraging performance from the home side as they ramp up their league preparations. Young prop, Callum Bicknall, had an excellent game which bodes well for the season to come.