The side started poorly, committing too many numbers into the break downs, which left space out wide, which was where North Dorset’s strengths were. The home side quickly ran up a twelve point lead, scoring two tries. Norton’s troubles were increased as experienced full back, Rowles, was forced to leave the field after being knocked unconscious in a tackle.
Norton’s pack slowly started to take control of the game and gained some field position, fly half Abbott kicked a penalty into the corner. The ball was easily secured at the lineout and a maul set up, flanker Sawkins was in the driving seat and opened Norton’saccount with a try.
Button soon added a second after a characteristic powerful run barreling the opposition out of the way before crossing the line. Awarded a scrummage 15m out from the North Dorset line, the visitors drove the home pack back 10m before Denning, on his return from injury, picked the ball up 5m out and powered over the line for his side’s third try.
At the halfway markNorton had wiped out North Dorset’s early points to lead 12–15.
North Dorset came back into the game, scoring a converted try and Norton’s indiscretions allowed two further penalties taking their tally to 25.
Centre Martin kicked a penalty goal and Gimson capped another fine game with a try from another lineout drive. This left Norton still chasing the game into the final minutes, and it seemed prop, Edgell, would score when he powered through a gap, but he was knocked off balance and unable to offload the ball to his support runners. This was Norton’s last opportunity to score and the game ended with a disappointing 25–23 loss. Jack Rideout started his first First Team game in an unfamiliar position, with the Second Team flanker starting on the wing, partnering Danny Moon, a scrum half on the opposition wing. This result could prove decisive as the season comes to a close and the team could regret the poor start and missed kicks.
On Saturday, Norton play hosts to Royal Wootton Bassett, the league leaders.