Not having played since 13th January, Norton visited Old Bristolians with the intent of reversing the 19–22 loss from earlier in the season at Norton Down.

Despite Norton having a lot of early pressure and territory, the home side took the early lead with an unconverted try. In reply, from a series of break-downs close to the Bristol side’s try line, Button picked up and dived over to level the scores.

The game settled into an even contest, with the two teams having contrasting styles, but neither able to break the deadlock. Rose Jr, Jenner, Fear and Swift all carried the ball well, making strong runs into Old Bristolians’ territory, but the home team’s defence was strong close to their line.

Norton’s back three of Rideout, Herrin and Jeffery worked hard in the deteriorating conditions to run the ball back when it was kicked down the slope into Norton’s twenty-two. Disappointingly, an uncharacteristic defensive error resulted in a tackle being missed, letting Old Bristolians score in the corner to regain the lead. Taylor reduced the lead with a penalty, taking the score to 12–8 at the break.

Now playing with the slight slope, Norton’s forward power really started to show. The back row of Denning, Button and Rose Snr were now winning the breakdowns, allowing scrum-half, Martin, to control the game.

Norton’s powerful scrummage now came into its own, allowing Rose to score a pushover try – which was converted – giving Norton the lead for the first time. Soon after, a catch and drive at a lineout allowed Knight to score the team’s third try.

Pressurising close to the Old Bristolians’ line, Norton won a scrummage, allowing Number 8, Rose, to pick up and dive over to score his second try of the day, giving Norton a thirteen-point lead.

Although the second half was being dominated by the pack, Norton’s backs – Herrin, Mattick, Taylor and Oakley, led by fly-half, Abbott – looked dangerous throughout. The pack now had a few changes, when Sawkins joined the front row and Herbert slotted into a rearranged back row, but this made no difference to their domination.

Full-back Jeffery finally scored for the backs, having been stopped short earlier after a break from the half-way line. He finished off a move to score in the corner, taking the score to 12–30.

With the job now done and only five minutes to go, Norton relaxed, which allowed the home side to get two quick consolation scores. The game ended with a final score of 22–30, in Norton’s favour.