Midsomer Norton Rugby Club’s Third team completed the league double over Martock, earning a hard fought bonus point win on Saturday.

The early downpour meant the opening period of the game was a little scrappy, but as the pitch dried out, Norton began to take control. Winger, Ed Mikks, made a number of surging breaks before prop, Ali Perry, capitalised down the blindside. Showing good pace, he ran in from the twenty-two. Fly half, Steve Penny, added the conversion.

Centre, Jack Rideout, added a second before the break, when he raced in from distance to put Norton clear. Martock kept battling and added a penalty on the brink of half-time to leave the score at 12–3.

The second half was a close affair before Norton pulled away in the final stages.

Martock began to dominate territory and possession and scored a well-deserved try.

Home flanker, Nathan Fear, pulled Norton further ahead when he finished off from close range, with Penny adding the conversion.

At this stage, a triple substitution saw Norton add 146 years of experience care of Tim Chivers, Ian Tiley and Adrian Rideout. This galvanised the home side and Tom Rideout followed his father’s lead when he rounded off an excellent move to clinch the bonus point.

The ball was first swept wide and then quickly recycled back left to Penny. His excellent cross field kick was gathered by Tom, who surged over the line.

This was a good win for the Thirds, who sit in mid-table respectability. Next Saturday they are on the road as they travel to Bridgwater.