MIDSOMER NORTON 24 STROUD 14
Midsomer Norton welcomed Stroud to Norton Down in the eagerly-anticipated Tribute Western Counties North League encounter. Stroud had won the corresponding fixture at home, so Norton knew that they had to be at their very best to come out on top.
Starting with the wind, Stroud piled on the pressure early on, only to be denied by committed and organised defence, resulting in frustration and no reward for their initial efforts.
Norton then began to work their way against the conditions, varying their attack between forward and backs until they opened up an overlap on the left-hand side, where Taylor was put into space.
Just as the supporters were ready to celebrate an excellent Norton try, everyone had to do a double-take as they realised that, for some reason, a Stroud player was now running down the slope all the way to score. Taylor, whose kicking and all-round play has been superb this season, had unfortunately decided to pass the ball to the only Stroud player anywhere near play at the time.
Indeed, it was Taylor who made the score 3-7 with a penalty, before another excellent individual breakaway try from the Stroud ten gave them a 3-14 lead at half-time.
Even though the scoreline was far from ideal, the Norton players were very confident of overhauling it and winning the game.
Little inaccuracies were their undoing, but these were ironed out as the game went into the final quarter.
Dominating possession and territory with the helpful wind in the second half, Norton began to apply pressure, resulting in another penalty; a try from Luke Murphy from a quick-tap penalty; a penalty try from a scrum and then a fine try scored by James Abbott in the right-hand corner after some soft hands and hard running.
Jason Holmwood was a little disappointed to have a bonus point try from a cross-field kick chalked off because the referee was unable to keep up with play.
The final score read 24-14 to Midsomer Norton and everyone who played knew they had been in a very physical and enjoyable game.