A young Norton side took to the field to face a Minehead team who had taken the long trip across Somerset.
Norton received the kick-off and were instantly on the attack, driving into the Minehead 22 with some powerful running.
This is where Norton would play most of the half. Norton played some entertaining rugby, but could not hold onto the ball with strong work by the Minehead back row holding up several Norton attacks.
Norton were unlucky not to score, with Nath Fear being held up over the line. With the score 0–0 at half-time, Norton had their work cut out playing up the hill.
With some ferocious tackling from Marlo Sawyer keeping the Minehead backs in order, the backs were allowed a little more ball with both wings, Louis Jones and Jamie Lake, going close. Jones had a fantastic run, only to be held up over the line and Lake, with a deft chip and chase, only for the ball to be just out of his reach over the line.
With thirty minutes to go, Norton introduced some more experience and the already solid scrum became an even bigger tower of power. A powerful drive saw the home pack go close to the line, with Fear able to pounce over the line out wide, the conversion was a cracking effort from Best, who had just come back on after a ten minute break.
This gave the home side a boost and with more experience entering the pitch in Hawkins, the money was on the home side. With his first touch a surprising little grubber kick, Hawkins was allowed to go over the line to add a wonderful try. The conversion was unsuccessful, giving Norton a 12–0 win. They will be looking forward to the return fixture.
A special mention should go to Scott Anderson and Connor Schuster on their first senior start – they both had excellent games and made a big impact.