Sat 4 Sep 2021
Cheltenham North 27 - 72 Midsomer Norton
After a tremendously long 18 month absence, league rugby finally resumed Saturday for Midsomer Norton RFC
Norton travelled up the M5 into the unknown to face newly promoted side Cheltenham North. With the weather scorching and the ground considerably firm, this paved the way for an open game of running rugby.
But Norton started by sticking to what they know best, they took full advantage of consecutive ill-discipline by Cheltenham, allowing fly half Murphy to keep kicking to the corner to set up numerous catch and drive lineouts for the Norton forward pack to crash over and build an early lead.
Cheltenham North however looked dangerous in attack when spreading the ball wide to some very fast backs who showed flare and offloading ability to grab 2 tries before half time to take the score to 10-36 going into the break.
But it was Norton who proved a much stronger all round outfit as they ran in a further 36 points in the 2nd half, again the catch and drive lineout led by skipper Tom Fear was firing on all cylinders. While young guns Harry Smith, debutant Kieran Beeho and Noah Watts all picked up tries throughout the match, showing Nor can play from deep using pace using within the back three in the wider channels, as well as sheer power up front. Special mentions for a solid performance from Joe Button who grabbed 4 tries, Harry Smith for a great shift on the wing, while Henry Mclachlan & Kieran Beeho made their first starts for the 1st XV. Final score 27-72
We wish flanker David Sawkins a speedy recovery following a nasty shoulder dislocation, having scored 2 tries before having to make the trip to A&E.
Norton look to carry this momentum into Saturday as they welcome Chipping Sodbury, 3pm Kick-off at Norton Down.
