The Thirds got their season off to a solid start when they beat Walcot on Saturday in their first league game of the season. Norton welcomed back a number of old faces and this led to an entertaining game for the home supporters.
Norton started brightly, with the pack in fine fettle. Flanker, Ben Routhorn, took the kick-off and stormed down the field. His good work was carried on by fellow flanker, Jay Harvey, and this allowed Norton to camp in the Walcot half.
The visitors' defence held firm and looked to have repelled Norton's attack before fly half, Steve Penny, kicked a drop goal from distance that bounced on the bar and over to record the first three points of the season.
Walcot fought their way back into the game. This time their spell of extended pressure began to tell. Their strong running centre was tackled into touch, but soon after he found a gap in the midfield and went over for what proved to be Walcot's only score.
The forward power of the Norton eight began to wear down the visitors and gradually Norton seized back control. This allowed Penny to kick a further penalty to give Norton a 6–5 half-time lead.
The second half was keenly contested, but it was Norton's dominance in the tight that proved the difference. Lock Andrew Parker soared in the line-out to disrupt the Walcot ball and the front row of Dave Williams, Tim Sheppard and Marc Anderson ensured a plentiful supply of ball at the scrum.
Norton deservedly stretched their lead following a number of short-range drives. From an ensuing scrum, number eight, Ed Cook, surged for the line. He was stopped just short, but Captain, Ian Tiley, was on hand to feed onrushing centre, Louis Jones, who powered his way over. Penny added the conversion and shortly afterwards sealed the win with another penalty.
This was a promising start for the Thirds and will hopefully be a sign of things to come for the coming season.