MIDSOMER NORTON 41 AVONMOUTH 24
Norton welcomed Avonmouth to Norton Down on a crisp, sunny day – perfect conditions for a quality game of rugby.
The story of the first half was dominated by Norton’s excellent build-up play and varied attack, making yards and building momentum, before ultimately dropping a pass or making a poor decision when a try seemed inevitable.
Avonmouth punished the home side through a simple but effective move, with the blindside winger taking a great line to go in under the posts. Both of their wingers were a real threat, causing different problems – one being big and powerful, and the other, small and extremely ellusive.
Mitchard scored Norton’s first try, smashing over on the left-hand side, after some good hands and continuity. Avonmouth hit back with a try of their own, before Norton were awarded a penalty try, as Luke Murphy was taken out by a no-arms tackle close to the line. Unfortunately, Murphy had to go off with a shoulder injury, and on came Ben Palmer.
The score at half-time was 14-14, and after a frank discussion about keeping their patience and possession, Norton came out with something to prove. Jamie Rose caused mayhem in the Avonmouth ranks as he gathered the restart, and Norton were on the front foot.
His brother, Mitch, was having a storming game in both defence and attack, having a canny knack of being in the right place at the right time – there were seemingly about five Mitch Roses on the pitch at any one time! Taylor, who has suddenly become the most consistent kicker in world rugby this season, slotted two quick-fire penalties at the start of the half.
The substitutes made a huge impact, and Palmer scored after pressurising the defence into a fumble, then running in under the posts. Another penalty try, this time for an obvious infringement to stop a maul working its way ominously to the line, and a smart finish from a typically hard and straight line by social media guru and backs’ Captain, Jeffery, put Midsomer firmly in the driving seat.
Avonmouth never gave up, and deservedly got a try near the end of the game, with Norton down to thirteen through two yellow cards for cynical play. The final score was a good reflection on a fine team performance.
Ben Moon was a calm and class act, pulling the strings at 9, and both Joe Knight and Conor Schuster deserve mentions for their excellent performances and tireless work for the team. The commitment shown was epitomised by Harper, who, in the final play of the game, with the result already decided, put his body on the line and ended up with a gash on his chin that later needed stitching up.
Everybody played their part, so apologies for anything missed in this report. C’mon Nor!
Steve Blackmore