Midsomer Norton hosted recently-promoted Cheddar Valley at Norton Down last weekend. Following a series of heavy defeats, Norton were determined to get a win on the board and were boosted by a return to action for several players, including Jack Rowles and Rich Martin.
The game started at a frantic pace with Cheddar Valley on the front foot. Norton's defence stood strong initially, repelling several attacks in and around their 22. This, however, came at the expense of James Abbott, who was forced off with a knock to the head. Cheddar were
patient and eventually drew in enough Norton players that they were able to create numbers out wide. Having put the ball through their hands, they crossed the line.
From the kick-off, they again began to attack, but Norton absorbed the pressure well, Sam Church tackling relentlessly at flanker. When Norton finally got their hands on the ball, Lewis Dyer made a fantastic break, beating several players, taking Norton from inside their own 22 into the opposition half.
The centre partnership of Martin and Rowles both made good yards, but Norton's
support was never quite quick enough to ensure they were able to retain the possession in order to make it count. Ben Taylor kicked well from hand, giving Norton good territory and eventually the pressure showed with the referee awarding Norton a penalty in the opposition 22, which Taylor slotted.
Norton continued to have much of the possession in the second half. Daryl Lambert, making his Second Team debut, carried the ball extremely well, making
valuable yards. Having forced Cheddar to clear their lines from deep, the Norton backs were able to launch a counter-
attack, the ball was swung wide to Tom Rideout, who used his pace to beat several defenders on the outside
before crossing the line. However, he was judged to have put a foot in touch and the try was disallowed. Norton kept Cheddar pinned in their half and again the pressure eventually showed, a penalty was awarded with minutes left on the clock. However, Norton were unable to send the ball through the uprights and with time running out, Cheddar were able to close the game out.