The Seconds lost out to promotion-chasing Imperial on Saturday, as the visitors secured a bonus point victory. Norton played some good rugby, but Imperial's greater organisation allowed them to secure the win, which keeps them in touch at the top of Somerset One.
Norton were guilty of falling off too many tackles in the first half, as the hosts claimed a number of easy tries to storm into a commanding lead.
In between, Norton played some excellent attacking rugby. Fly half, James Abbott, had a strong game and secured the home side's first points when he kicked a penalty, following a good break by the outside backs.
Centre, Byron Edwards, made great inroads into the Imperial defence and full back, James Fuller, broke a tackle to feed winger, Ed Mills, who went over in the corner.
Soon after, good interplay saw Jack Johnson race into midfield. The initial push was halted, but from an ensuing scrum, number eight, Grant Silk, picked and powered over from fifteen yards out. Abbott again converted to make the half-time score 28–15.
Imperial controlled most of the possession in the second period, but Norton's dogged defence kept them out for long periods. Norton had some bright moments, especially when flanker, Sam Church, put in an excellent chase of a James Abbott kick. His efforts earned a penalty, but Norton just failed to increase their score.
Imperial sealed the game with two further tries, but a much-changed Norton line-up can be reasonably happy with their efforts.
Next week, they face the challenge of travelling to league leaders, Clevedon, a team they narrowly beat by one point earlier in the season.