Norton started the game with a bang, with flanker, Sawkins, scoring a quick try from a driving maul.
Unfortunately, Wimborne’s lowly league position and this quick score seemed to give Norton a false sense of security. Wimborne had a much strengthened squad with seven players back took advantage of this lack of concentration, quickly levelling the score from a driving maul of their own. Confidence from this score and the strong wind helped the home side to control the first half. Norton made too many mistakes as they tried to play expansive rugby in the poor conditions, allowing Wimborne to capitalise on dropped passes and poor ball retention, Wimborne extended their lead with a converted try and a penalty going into the half-time break with a 15–5 lead.
It wasn’t long before Norton closed the gap with a well worked try with winger, Murphy, outstripping the defence to wide out on the left, Abbott was unable to convert.
Norton’s comeback faltered when flanker, Button, was issued a yellow card for a clear out at a ruck which the referee adjudged to be a neck roll. Wimborne took advantage of the extra man and scored a converted try, extending their lead to 22–10. Just as the Norton team was restored to its full complement of players, they lost influential player, Gimson to what could be a long-term injury. Time was now against the team, but Captain of the Day, Tom Fear, gave them some hope, scoring a try and closing the gap to seven points.
As the game came to a close, Norton threw everything into attack. Going into injury time Fear crossed the line for the second time, scoring the fourth bonus point try. This just left Abbott with a kick to level the score, holding his nerve, he slotted the kick. Norton were lucky to come away with the draw and to be still top of the league with Wotton Bassett now level on points.