Saturday saw the Thirds finally start their Somerset 3 South campaign, following the previous week’s postponement against Tor.
They welcomed local rivals, Wells, and came out with a hard-fought bonus point victory. The game was played in good spirit, with both sides keen to play an expansive game.
Norton controlled early possession, but the Wells defence stood up well, and a couple of excellent kicks from their fly-half pushed Norton back. From one of these kicks, the on-rushing Wells winger took the ball at full pace and raced in for the first try of the game. The conversion was added to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
The home side fought back and scored the try of the game when the ball was quickly recycled by the forwards and swept along the back line for flying-winger, Fraser Collins, to score in the corner. Norton edged ahead just before half-time, when Number 8, Steve Dunster, powered over from close range.
The game was evenly-balanced at half-time, but it was Norton who proved the stronger in the second half. Flanker, Pat Howell, had an excellent game, and the dancing feet of centre, Tim Sheppard, kept Norton on the front foot.
Norton increased their lead after a prolonged period of pressure when second row, Tom Hillier, powered over from close range, and the conversion was added by fly-half, Mike Evans. It was left to winger, Collins, to seal the game and the bonus point, when he again showed his pace to scorch past the Wells defence for a well-taken try.