MIDSOMER Norton’s hopes of staying with the leaders in Counties One Western North suffered a big blow when they lost 38-28 at home to Nailsea & Backwell.

It was their third defeat of the season and although they stay third in the table, they are now ten points behind second-placed Nailsea who remain 100 per cent after eight matches.

The leaders are unbeaten Dings Crusaders who won 31-13 away to Chard and stay one point clear of Nailsea.

At the other end of the table Chosen Hill Former Pupils remain bottom after losing 43-17 away to Taunton. They are four points adrift of fellow strugglers Gordon League.

Results: Chard 13, Dings Crusaders 31; Gordano 24, Bridgwater & Albion 23; Gordon League 18, Clifton 31; Midsomer Norton 28, Nailsea & Backwell 38; Old Redcliffians 6, Old Bristolians 27; Taunton 46, Chosen Hill Former Pupils 17.

Midsomer Norton have a tough away match against Dings Crusaders this coming Saturday, December 6.