STROUD 32 MIDSOMER NORTON 17

Midsomer Norton’s First Team travelled to Stroud at the weekend, and suffered their first and only loss of the season so far.

Playing into the wind in the first half, Midsomer Norton struggled to cope with the strong, direct running from an impressive Stroud outfit. Right from the kick-off, Stroud were able to breach the gain-line with every phase, and create space for their back three to exploit.

The first try came in the initial two minutes following some crisp, wide passing and continuity from the three-quarters, followed by a penalty and then another similar try, leaving the score 15-0, with Norton seemingly staring down the barrel of a big defeat.

Living off scraps of possession, Norton were hasty, and made over-optimistic choices in attack that were turned over before being able to build pressure. Stroud added to their lead before the end of the half with a converted try and a penalty, but the half-time scoreline of 25–3 by no means flattered the home side who were dominant in every area of the game.

The second half was a very different story. Norton could easily have been disheartened and been on the end of a drubbing, but this side is at the top end of the table for a reason. The line-speed in defence, intensity at the breakdown, patience with the ball in-hand, and dominance in the scrum put Stroud under immense pressure for the rest of the game.

Two push-over tries touched down by designated try scorer, Joe Button, meant that the score was 25–17 going into the last fifteen minutes. The large travelling support, consisting of many well-oiled club legends, were in full voice, but the home side’s defence stood firm and breathed a sigh of relief when the ball was knocked on just a yard from their line.

In typical fashion, Stroud were able to score an excellent long-range try, running excellent lines at pace whilst displaying superior handling, timing and weight of pass to give themselves some breathing space.

This score pretty much closed the game out, and they deservedly ran out 32–17 winners on the day.

Next week, Norton welcome Weston Hornets in the Cup. This promises to be a great game and a challenge for these Mendip warriors to test themselves against class opposition once again.