A young home-grown Midsomer Norton squad including four 17-year olds, welcomed Winscombe to a windy Norton Down.
The conditions played their part with both sides struggling to win consistent clean lineout ball and the game was more about hard work up-front and ball retention than flashy skills out-wide.
Ben Taylor had another remarkable 100% kicking performance and was influential in defence and attack throughout. His kicks, alongside a superb maul try scored by Tom Clark and yet another typically Murphy-like try gave Norton a 20 point lead at half time. This was by no means game over because now Winscombe had the advantage of the wind, as they set about eating away at their deficit.
Norton were able to withstand pressure and defended well for the most part but Winscombe scored two tries of their own and should have had a third only to see their winger fumble the ball when it seemed easier to score. The set-piece became more important as the game progressed and Midsomer Norton turned their dominance in the scrummage into penalties that relieved pressure and also gained another 3 points from the boot of Taylor.
Credit to skipper Tom Fear who put in a superb all-action performance in the tight, the loose, defence, attack and lineout. This sort of effort is an example to all of the young players who could do a lot worse than take his attitude on-board and try to replicate it.
Alongside Watts and Smith (both of whom started and finished the game and are beginning to look at home at this level), debuts were handed to Luke Williams and Henry Mclachlan. Williams first ever touch for the 1st team was a storming 40-meter run that involved bouncing two bewildered Winscombe players to the delight of the home crowd.
Final score: Midsomer Norton 23 v Winscombe 12
For the team overall, the managers had this to say:
The future is bright and more opportunities may present themselves over the coming weeks for players to get a taste of first and second team rugby. The priority however is to improve skill levels, fitness and mental strength and this needs to be emphasised. We are one club and it is important to turn up and give 100% playing for any team, whether it be juniors, 3rds, 2nds, or 1sts.
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