Despite playing some good rugby, the Thirds lost out to a strong Somerton 1st XV on Saturday. The visitors’ pack dwarfed the Norton eight and their ability to play a fast open style saw them finish the game the stronger.
The first half was a keenly contested affair. Somerton started well and earned a converted try after Norton missed a couple of tackles in open play. Back came the Thirds though as good advantage was played and the back line stretched the opposition. Centres, Ben Teal and Tom Clark combined well, along with full back, Jon Swift, to enable supporting flanker, Kevin Herbert, to go over for an excellent try. Fly half, Steve Penny, converted from wide out to bring the scores level. More good play allowed Penny to kick a penalty to give Norton in front before Somerton scored another try before half-time to take a slender 12–10 lead into the break.
The second half saw Somerton begin to exert pressure and gradually they eased away. Norton threatened a comeback when an excellent cross field kick from Penny was pounced on by winger, Andrew Best, who scored a well-deserved try.
Somerton comfortably saw out the game though with a further length of the field try by their flanker.