Norton started the game against Chosen Hill FP well, and quickly took an early lead with an unconverted try, with J. Rose scoring the first of his three tries of the day. But they were unable to take the several other chances, leaving at least three try-scoring opportunities going begging.

For the second week running, Norton’s strong pack attained total dominance at the scrummage, but the team were unable to make this possession pay.

Surviving the initial pressure, Chosen Hill capitalised well on numerous mistakes that the home side were making, while running the ball from deep inside their half. This allowed them to kick to the corner repeatedly, using a well-rehearsed catch and drive lineout, the visitors built up a 21-point lead at the break.

Now playing with the Norton Down breeze, the home team set about chasing the visitors’ total and quickly closed the gap to 24–26, with Button and Rose scoring from close range. Ill-discipline allowed Chosen Hill to extend their lead with a well taken penalty goal.

The home side eventually took the lead when their fifth try of the game, scored by Button, was converted by Abbott, taking the score to 31–29. But another Chosen Hill penalty allowed them to regain the lead, 31–32.

As the game came to a close, one player from each side was sin-binned due to multiple push and shoves after the whistle had blown. Norton tried to keep the tempo up and their opposition trying to slow it down. Unsurprisingly, a

Chosen Hill front row forward was suddenly deemed injured, forcing uncontested scrums and removing the obvious home side’s advantage.

In the end, it was the two kickable penalties given away by Norton in the second half that allowed the visitors to escape with the win. Although collecting two bonus points, this must be a disappointing result for the home team.