MIDSOMER NORTON 35 CHELTENHAM 15

The rain finally made way ahead of kick-off, as Norton welcomed Cheltenham down from the M5.

Cheltenham, the visitors, started the game well and proved they were up for it, despite coming into the game at the bottom of the table. They soon got into their stride, putting pressure on Norton and kicking a penalty early on. They then scored a well-worked try through forward carries, catching Norton’s defence napping, taking the score to 0-10.

Norton, after a dull spell of 25 minutes and having made a very slow start to the first half, managed to score two tries of their own through hooker, Mitch Rose, and number eight, Joe Button, taking the half-time score to 14-10.

The second half started well for Norton, as they were awarded a penalty five metres from the Cheltenham line. As ever, they confidently opted for the scrum. The powerful nudge came on, and the referee had no option but to award a penalty try due to the visitors wheeling illegally.

Cheltenham soon replied with a very strong individual effort from their number thirteen, and a few miss-tackles from Norton allowed the outside-centre to touch down under the posts.

Norton then seemed to fire on all cylinders as they began to build some great phase play, holding possession for long periods. From one attack, Hugh Jeffery was able to pick a ‘hard and straight’ running line that beat numerous defenders, before being tackled just short. He was able to reach out and get the ball grounded on the line to secure the try bonus point. Taylor again added the extras, taking the score to 28-10.

Closing out the game, Norton’s backs were able to let loose, and winger, Ben Palmer, used his pace to finish off another well-worked try in the corner, taking the final score to 35-10.

Norton finished the game strongly here, but will need to start better away to Chew Valley this Saturday, in what always promises to be a tough and entertaining local derby.