OLDFIELD 2nds 5 MIDSOMER NORTON 2nds 12
MNRFC Seconds moved level with first-placed Bristol Telephones, thanks to a hard-fought victory against Oldfield.
On a typically cold and wet afternoon at Lansdown, the away side had to dig deep and stay focused to secure the victory against a side who were close behind them in the League table.
Norton dominated the territory in the first half, and went close on a few occasions before Dan Massey opened the scoring, following fantastic hands from Callum Bicknell. Rideout added the extras. However, Norton cut a frustrated side as they failed to extend their lead, and were made to pay when Oldfield cut the deficit just before half-time.
The elements were against them second half, as the rain and wind somehow managed to increase, but Norton rallied and after a strong scrummage, Fear pounced on the line to give the Seconds some form of breathing room.
Norton went close a few times in the remaining twenty minutes, and Rideout tried a last-gasp drop-goal to end the contest, but ultimately had done enough to leave with a valuable victory. Pat Howell deserves special credit for being the stand-out performer in his first game for the seconds.
Next week, the Seconds host Old Reds at Norton Down in the last match before the winter break.