MATSON 22 MIDSOMER NORTON 19
From the kick-off, Matson tackled hard and low and created turnover opportunities without allowing Norton to beat the gain line.
The first half was characterised by Matson using the slight wind and slope to gain territory, whilst their superior lineout and breakdown work made it difficult for Norton to get themselves out of danger.
The first try was from a simple and effective driving maul and the second came from exploiting a numerical advantage on the blindside after some good phase work, both of these were unconverted. Scoring their third try in similar fashion to the second then adding the conversion made the score an imposing 17-0 after 25 minutes.
From this point on, Norton grew into the game, the breakdown became a little more even and the scrummage began to dominate. Norton’s first try came when they spread the ball wide and Joe Button took a good inside line from Abbott to touch down. The momentum looked to have swung but back came the home side with a score to leave it 22-5 at half-time.
The second period saw Norton dominate territory and possession whilst unable to score freely, due to committed defence and being a little slow to get the ball away into space, and the dangerous outside backs.
Murphy and Jeffery were particularly threatening on the counter-attack and were not used enough with front-foot ball. Schuster scored a superb try from the base of the scrum by somehow wriggling through the bemused Matson back row. Taylor then converted.
From this point on, the game seemed to be there for the taking, but a combination of heroic last-ditch defence and missed golden opportunities meant that Norton were left with only six minutes to score a winner, after Mitchard was put through a gap to score a converted try under the posts.
Matson managed to close out the game and deservedly won by three points. Norton look forward to the rematch in the cup in two weeks’ time, and also the away match at Wells next week.