The Thirds travelled to Wincanton on Saturday and came back with a hard earned but enjoyable draw. The wet weather made the pitch very heavy but both sides played some good rugby in the conditions.

Former international referee Tony Spreadbury, who is winding down to retirement, oversaw proceedings, and ensured both sides played the game in great spirit.

Norton had the slope in their favour in the first period, and outscored the hosts three tries to one. The first one came after some good initial work from centres Ben Matthews, Joel Hawker and hooker Ronnel Tayag. This allowed Norton to find some space on the left hand side of the pitch for full-back Tom Rideout to go over. He added the difficult conversion from wide out to give Norton a good start.

This start got better in the second quarter, when the home side were pinned in their own half by Norton half-backs Ian Tiley and Mike Evans. The two Norton wingers also excelled as both Liam Shakespeare and Liam Shaw kept up the pressure on the home defence. Given the platform, the pack took charge. Some strong drives from the veteran props Dave Williams and Tim Chivers were backed up by the second row of Tyron Dallimore and Dan Massey. This allowed the back row of Tom Hillier, Jason Taylor and Joe Knight to threaten around the fringes. This pressure ultimately allowed Knight to gain the next score when he was driven over from close range.

Wincanton played well up the hill and scored a well-deserved try after a prolonged period of pressure, but it was Norton who ended the half in the ascendancy when Dallimore was driven over the line for their third try, which Rideout again converted.

The second half saw Wincanton use the slope in their favour and as the game went on they increased the pressure. The Norton defence stayed strong, bolstered by the addition of flankers George West and Craig Harding, but they were unable to stop the hosts from scoring two second half tries to see them draw level.

The game ended with Norton having bravely defended their line, clearing to touch with both sides settling for a well deserved draw.