The Thirds earned a hard-fought victory on Saturday, against a competitive Wincanton team who were previously unbeaten.

The platform was laid by the pack who worked hard at the set-piece to keep the visitors on the back foot. The outside defence was also strong, with some great tackles flying in from the centres Marcus Tuttle, Rob Kernutt and full back Billy Obern.

Playing down the slope, Norton began strongly, and some good kicking from their fly half ensured they kept Wincanton pinned in their own half of the pitch. Obern was unlucky not to score in the corner, following a fine kick by scrum half Ian Tiley, but Norton were not to be denied. A few phases later, their hard work was rewarded when number eight Tom Hillier powered his way to the line.

The game became a little scrappy, but Norton eventually put some good phases together, and this time it was flanker Gareth Williams who burrowed over. Swift added the difficult conversion to give the home side a 12–0 lead at half-time.

The second half remained fairly scrappy, with both sides guilty of too many errors. It was Norton who clinched the game though, when impressive flanker Lloyd Edgell charged over between the posts after some excellent interplay. Swift again converted.

Wincanton scored a late consolation, which was due reward for their efforts, but Norton saw out the final minutes to earn the win.

The positives for Norton were the showing of a number of the new members of the squad, with Ed Dickens and fellow winger Joe Sleigh really getting stuck in. Hooker Ronnel Tayag was prominent around the pitch, and replacements Craig Harding and George West also put in promising displays, which bodes well for the future.

Steve Blackmore