WELLS 5 MIDSOMER NORTON 42

Midsomer Norton made the short trip across the Mendips to local rivals, Wells, and it was clear from the start that, unlike last week, Norton were well-up to the task.

Wells began with early possession, but Norton proved to be well-organised in defence, allowing the home team very little

attacking platform. Jeffery was the first to score, a kick in behind the defence allowed the Norton winger to dive on the ball as it reached the in goal area, with the conversion added by Taylor.

Defence from Norton went from strength to strength, and as Wells attempted to spread the ball wide, Mitchard cleverly intercepted the ball on the half-way line to run in unopposed. Shortly after, Mitchard intercepted again, scoring an identical try, to put his side 0-21 up. Wells then scored just before half-time through some good interlinking play, giving themselves hope in the game – the score 5-21 at half-time.

The second half saw Norton in full control, with scrum-half, Schuster, marching his forwards around the pitch. Abbott used the boot well to gain territory, as well as chips over the top that kept the home defence guessing. Wells contested very well in the scrum, but unfortunately lacked the cutting edge to beat Norton’s defence.

Tries in the second half came from Button, Fear and Mitchard, who finished a fine game completing his hat-trick; a great line from a set piece move allowed him to run in under the sticks.

MIDSOMER NORTON 2nds 64 YATTON 2nds 5

The Seconds extended their lead at the top of the table with a ruthless performance at Norton Down.

The home side dominated up front throughout the match, with Frazer Button the star as he grabbed a hat-trick. In truth, the poor away side were powerless to stop the rampaging prop whenever he was in range. Centre, Scott Anderson, also bagged a brace, pouncing from close-range for his first, before his brother set him free to race away for the second.

Although Yatton got themselves on the scoreboard at the start of the second half, they were never truly in contention thanks to a constant stream of tries from the home side, whilst Andrew Best brought his kicking boots with him to add seven conversions.

Williams and Howell were both key to Norton’s dominant display at the breakdown, and got well-deserved tries. Robbie Fuller added another to his tally for the season, after Morgan raced through and acrobatically juggled it on the line.

Substitute, Will Edgell, then provided two more scores – first juggling the ball into the hands of Dyer, who stepped the full-back to cross the whitewash, before a powerful run was stopped just short, allowing Davis to finish the scoring from close range.

CHARD 3rds 0 MIDSOMER NORTON 3rds 12

The Thirds travelled to Chard on Saturday and returned with a well-earned win.

The conditions were poor and the narrow pitch suited the home team’s style, but it was Norton who ground out the win, with a mixture of committed defence and skilful attacking play.

The Thirds had yet another new-look team, with Ralph Tayag making his debut on the wing and John Edgar in the back row. They were also boosted by the tactical nous of scrum-half, Richard Slater, playing his first game in two years.

Norton started brightly and had a couple of early chances. Hooker, Ronnel Tayag, was just unable to field a cross-field kick, which would have brought the opening score. Soon after, lock, Nath Morgan, was denied after cutting a great line through the home defence. He was held up over the line by an excellent cover tackle from the home full-back.

Norton were not to be denied though, as soon after Edgar’s surging run saw him power over from ten metres out. Fly-half, Jon Swift, added the extras.

Both sides had further chances, but a mixture of solid defence and a greasy ball kept Norton to a slim half-time lead of seven points to nil.

The second half again saw both sides show plenty of endeavour. Chard preferred the tight game, whereas Norton looked to spread the game out and use their youthful back line. This paid dividends mid-way through the half, when winger, Fraser Collins, took a pass and raced over in the corner.

Chard laid siege to the Norton line, but Norton stood up to the task and cleared their lines to secure the win.