With a break for all other teams, the Thirds took centre stage on Saturday, as they hosted Winscombe 2nd XV at Norton Down. Supported by a large crowd, Norton made up for their earlier season loss with a resounding 34–5 win.
Norton started well and scored some excellent tries in a one-sided first half. Centre, Jack Rideout, scored a brace, firstly rounding off some intricate interplay and secondly charging over from distance. Norton made use of their large bench to keep everyone fresh and ensure the tempo did not drop.
Flanker, Luis Deville, added a third try and this was followed soon after by another following a length of the field run by the impressive number eight, Adam Sinden.
Lock, Ben Matthews, added a further try before half-time after some good close-range driving play by the pack. Fly-half, Steve Penny, kicked two conversions to give Norton a commanding half-time lead.
The second half saw Winscombe show their fighting spirit and claw their way back in the game. This enabled them to power over from close range and register their first points of the game. Not to be outdone, Lock, Matthews, completed his brace as he galloped over to ensure the second period ended even.
This was an impressive win for the Thirds, with their ranks boosted by the return from injury of David Merrigan and Dayne Swift, who both played their part in an entertaining afternoon’s rugby.