Midsomer Norton 27 Stroud 34

This Western Counties North top of the table clash exceeded expectations and more, as a great game was on display at Norton Down, where the result was decided with the final play of the match.

Midsomer Norton began playing down the slope in the first half, they held possession of the ball for long period but Stroud's defence held firm with most of the half being played in the away side's half.

Ben Taylor got the scores underway with two penalty kicks followed by a debut try for 17 year old Noah Watts, who displayed his young talent throughout the match.

Before half time Stroud also slotted a penalty and converted try taking the score to 13-10 going into the break.

The second half began and it was clear that both sides were well up for the contest, and both sides carried the ball well up front.

Stroud looked dangerous out wide while Norton's scrum had the upper hand - resulting in penalties within the range of Taylor who calmly kicked from the tee as usual.

As the second half progressed, holes in both sides' defence began to appear. Norton's scrum half Luke Murphy darted from the base of a scrum, he glided through the defence to score a great individual try.

The visitors then replied as they capitalised on Norton's untidy kick off receive, the ball was spread to the opposite touchline for the Stroud winger to touch down In the corner.

Following another try for Norton's Watts as well as Stroud crossing the white wash again, the scores were 28-27 in favour of Norton with five minutes to play.

Norton had possession of the ball inside of the Stroud half with the intention of running down the clock. Of course Stroud had other ideas.

In the last play of the game Stroud managed to rip the ball in contact to regain possession, they spread the ball wide sharply as they did all game.

A link up in the backs saw them go three quarters of the pitch to score and win the match, 27-34.

Heartbreak for Norton who played very well but what a game of rugby this was, a hard fought, equal contest that Stroud edged on this occasion. The visitors deserve massive credit for being clinical in the dying seconds to clinch victory.