Norton started the new year with a tough fixture against the league leaders Coney Hill, the game was made more difficult when three players cried off on Friday night adding to the list of injured players.
The game started in cold and damp conditions with both sides making numerous handling errors, before the ball dried out. Norton had a large proportion of both territory and possession, but due to mistakes in the Coney Hill five-metre area, this was not turned into points. Coney Hill on the other hand made the most of their minimal possession, scoring tries on the break, one scored from a turnover under their own posts. The first half ended with the home side scoring 27 unanswered points.
The second half was no better for Norton, as Coney Hill now had their tails up and the side had lost back row player Clarke to a head injury. Coney Hill used the tactic of chipping over the advancing defence on several occasions, gaining more scores and extending their lead.
Towards the end of the game, the home side’s Number Six was shown a red card for a punch on Norton’s captain, Fear, having already received a yellow card for a dangerous tip tackle. This was a very attrition game, and the club should be proud of the young players who stepped up to fulfil this fixture. The final score was 66-0 to Coney Hill.
Next week Norton welcome Stroud to Norton Down, hoping to reverse the result from the away fixture in September.