MIDSOMER NORTON 35 CHELTENHAM 22
Norton Down welcomed a well-resourced and ambitious Cheltenham side on Saturday.
A physical battle from the outset, both teams exchanged penalties before Norton added one more and a penalty-try from a dominant scrummage.
Cheltenham were able to apply some pressure themselves later on in the half to touch-down twice and make the score 13–15 at half-time.
Although behind on the scoreboard, the Mendip men were growing in confidence. The lineout started to function and the pressure was telling on the ‘Tigers’ who started to lose discipline. Their dangerous wingers were left largely unemployed whilst the centres were over-utilised running into the
narrow channels where they were consistently swallowed up, creating only small gains and slow ball.
Intelligent kicking and varying attacking play created field position and Button scored from the base of another scrum close to the line. This lead didn’t last, however, and Cheltenham scored a fine try of their own through some hard running and continuity, especially from the back row.
The score was 18–22 with ten minutes to go, but the premature vitriolic celebration only served to further motivate Midsomer Norton.
The remainder of the game was totally dominated by Norton’s remarkable teamwork, skill, patience and discipline. Firstly, Abbott stretched over from a quick tap penalty and then Murphy intercepted to go under the posts. The cherry on top was a penalty at the death from a daft and obvious high-tackle that was only deemed a
yellow card from the Tigers’ inside centre, which summed up a disappointing afternoon for him.
This was the most satisfying team performance of the season so far and the whole squad can be proud of their efforts. ‘mon Nor!