The Seconds travelled away to Castle Cary on Saturday for what proved to be a hard-fought game of rugby. With a number of changes in personnel, the new-look Seconds proved that there is considerable strength in depth at the club. Given more time together as a unit, they could even have claimed a victory against a well-drilled Castle Cary outfit.
Norton began playing down the slope and their
impressive pack began to wear down the Cary eight. Quick ball was spun into midfield where Byron Edwards repeatedly broke the first line of defence on an impressive debut.
Cary gradually fought their way into the game and began to lay siege to the Norton line. Some impressive defence kept them at bay, but eventually they went over for the first score.
Norton fought back almost immediately when a surging drive from the pack enabled number eight, Jamie Rose, to touch down. Fly half, Steve Penny, added the conversion.
The visitors then lost a man to the sin bin and this
allowed Cary to claim another try to put them back in the lead. They extended this lead on the half-time whistle when Norton failed to clear their lines and Cary scooped up the loose ball to score.
The second half was mainly dominated by Norton, especially in the scrummage. Cary had little answer to the Norton pack's power and gave away numerous penalties. Flanker, Tyrone Moss, was unlucky not to score from one attempt, but flanker, Andrew Davis, was on hand to force his way over. Cary then
responded with two well-worked tries to ensure they remained just out of touch.
Norton battled back in the closing stages though. The Cary pack again crumpled on their line following a good break from centre, Ian Day. The Norton scrum did the work and the referee awarded a penalty try. Penny again converted, but it was Cary who saw out the final few minutes in the Norton half.
Next week, Norton entertain Bridgwater at Norton Down, 3 p.m. kick-off.