Midsomer Norton RFC

The First XV kicked off life in Counties 2 with a resounding win against Oldfield.

 

With Norton playing up the slope in the first half, captain Joe Button opened the scoring and from there Norton dominated entirely. Mitch Rose powered over shortly over before Schuster and Viol added two more. Rideout kicked all of the conversions, as he would continue to do in the second half, to give a 28-0 lead at the break.

 

Whilst Oldfield battled bravely, Norton's intensity - in attack with flowing moves and in defence with some huge hits - had worn them down and Sam Church ran in early on to extend the lead. Noah Watts, playing his first league game for over a year, then extended the lead before Schuster scored two more either side of veteran Sawkins - the second finished with a spectacular forward roll after fantastic work from Jeffery. Watts Scored again to round off a superb victory.

 

MOTM: Noah Watts who scored two to cap a fantastic all round performance

 

It was a frustrating start to the league season for the Second XV, who were well drilled but squandered multiple opportunities at the death to claim victory.

 

Norton had taken the lead through Ben Curtis and Josh Thomas had added 5 more through a conversion and penalty. However an increasingly scrappy contest saw Oldfield claw back a lead before half time and despite a spirited effort Norton's young side could only come away with the bonus point.

 

MOTM: Ben Curtis, who's effort in preseason was immediately rewarded with his first senior try.

 

 

Andy Crooks' men played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game away at a strong St Bernadette's side. Craig Bryson scored twice on his return to his old club and Jack Robbins got a try on his debut. Parry added two more with a conversion. The game could have been very different but Norton had three tries held up. Plenty of positives to take though, especially with faces still to return - as well as Colts to join - throughout the remainder of the season.

 

MOTM: Ethan Hawkins who put a great shift in today in a tough game.