Midsomer Norton 2nds 31 Taunton 2nds 0

The seconds took a big step towards securing their Somerset 1 status for next season with a five-try victory over Taunton.

With just one place separating the teams before kick-off the fixture was a vital one as both sides looked to climb away from the bottom of the table.  

Norton controlled the territory and possession from the early stages and took the lead mid-way through the first half when, after a spell of sustained pressure, captain Knight released winger Ryan Forse to cross the whitewash.

Rideout added the extras with the first of his three conversions. The seconds' lead was extended shortly before half-time when the home side made the most of their dominant set-piece, with a successful line-out enabling scrum-half Stu Kelly scoring off the back of a driving maul.

Norton continued where they left off in the second half and number 8 Frazer Button went over off the back of another powerful maul.

Nor were now chasing a valuable bonus point, and after numerous near misses finally found their fourth try with about ten minutes to go.

This time it Joe Knight who peeled off the back of a maul to charge over for a well-deserved try. With maximum points now secured, Irish centre Ben Palmer then cut a fine line through the midfield to put the icing to the cake.

The victory moves Norton fourteen points clear of bottom placed Bath Old Edwardians, who have a game in hand. The seconds travel there next week in what will be another must-win fixture.