Midsomer Norton Seconds remained second in the table with a hard-fought win over Yatton.

Norton found themselves behind early on after a converted try from the host’s winger. However, the away side responded immediately, and after some good, slow pick-and-go play from the forwards, Robbie fuller crossed the. Fuller then gave Norton the lead when he added his second try from the back of a scrum after Goddard had been held up over the line.

The away side appeared in full control, dominating possession and territory, but were stunned twice in quick succession when wayward passes were intercepted, and Yatton scored two tries from almost the full length of the field. Both were under the posts and both converted. To their credit, Norton regrouped, and managed to head into the break with the lead.

Norton won the ball at the line-out, and then Dyer, practically over the line himself, gifted Rideout a birthday try, which he duly converted. Dyer then did score himself after good play from the forwards and a strong break from Fuller. Rideout again made the kick to give the away side a three-point lead at the interval.

The scoring calmed down somewhat in a second half that remained tight. Yatton were soon level with a penalty, but Norton were again ahead when Prentice finished from five metres out after another spell of pick-and-go. Yatton and Rideout then exchanged penalties with minutes to go, but the game was put to bed when Dyer intercepted a tired pass for his second of the match.

Next week, the seconds will look to win their fourth game in a row when they take on Gordano Sharks at Norton Down.