Earlier in the day, Norton’s Junior section played host to the U13s and 14s of Beccehamians RFC, so there was a large crowd at Norton Down for the Southern Counties South league game and the team hoped to put on a good display. Unfortunately, Norton had the worst ever start to a game.
Straight from the kick off, a mistake gave Wimborne an attacking lineout just metres from the Norton try line. The visitors scored from a catch and drive and to make matters worse, taking the restart into the strong wind the ball didn’t go 10m and Wimborne were awarded a scrum on the half way line.
The team quickly took stock and decided to put their running game into action. The pack controlled the set piece providing quick ball, this allowed the team’s strong runners to be unleashed. Centre, Mitchard, was the first to break the visitors’ pressing defence, running from 22 to 22 before being stopped. Part way through the half, Jack Johnson, who had started his second first team game at scrum half, had to leave the field with a broken nose. Holmwood, Gimson, Denning, Jenner and Fear all carried well, but it was Taylor, Edgell and a returning player, Jamie Verden, who crossed the line to give the home side a comfortable lead at halftime.
Now playing with the elements, it was easier for the team to control field position, the pack continued to dominate the scrummage. This allowed Denning to fall on the ball at the base of the posts, to score a scrum pushover try. Winning another scrummage, no. 8 Denning, picked up the ball and popped it to Ben Moon, who passed behind Mitchard to Taylor running an outside angle, scoring near the posts. Verden continued to cause problems with his pace and speed and collected two more tries, completing his hat trick.
The crowd was well entertained with a great free flowing game netting the home side seven tries and a final score 48–8. The team have next weekend off, but return to league rugby on the 16th April when they visit Devizes.