Midsomer Norton RFC 3rds started their season in fine style on Saturday when they travelled to Martock for this rearranged league fixture.

A new look side saw the combination of youth and experience come together to record a well-deserved bonus point win, with the final score being Martock 12 - 28 Midsomer Norton 3rds.

Norton dominated the first half and some strong running saw centre Watts score two excellent early tries.

One was all of his own making as he raced the length of the field. The other was set up by the experienced half back partnership of Ian Tiley and Richard Slater.

A quick tap caught the home defence sleeping and a weaving run allowed the ball to be worked clear for the try. Both tries were converted by full back Harry Smith.

The back line continued to look dangerous every time they had the ball and this ensured Norton kept on top for the majority of the half.

Martock hit back briefly when they had a period of prolonged possession and they eventually used their larger pack to push over from close range but Norton extended their lead in the 35th minute with a fine effort by winger Fraser Collins who raced over for a score. Smith again converted.

The second half was a more evenly contested affair as Martock dominated possession. This didn't stop Norton from further extending their lead, though, when Smith took the ball out wide and cut back against the grain to score a clinical debut try.

From then on it was a stout defensive effort from the visitors. Martock were repeatedly repelled before they managed their only try of the second half when a series of Norton infringements saw them awarded a penalty try.

The bonus point win was an excellent start for the thirds who travel to Wincanton next week.