News in Midsomer Norton and Radstock

Gloucester Spartans 0 v Midsomer Norton 22.

Norton headed up the M5 once again on a wet miserable day to play against Spartans RFC. The most difficult part of the day was the travelling, getting changed in a confined space, and then walking for half a mile to get to the pitch. The game itself was, in all fairness, pretty easy. Great discipline was shown by the Mendip men, who were in Green for the day, as they managed to keep a cool head and didn't react to the attempts to turn the game into a scrap by Spartans. Late hits and weak attempts at intimidation were laughed off as Norton scored early on through Mitchard who raced through under the posts after a break from the impressive Sam Church. Taylor converted and Norton looked to capitalise on a good start.

What a difference a week makes. An unprecedented amount of unavailability meant that both the Midsomer Norton RFC thirds and seconds had to be cancelled due to lack of players.

The first team was still strong and there are no excuses regarding the personnel. In winning 50-7, Matson RFC raised their game as they often seem to do against Norton and were excellent from the outset, playing a similar style to what has worked so well for the Mendip men in the early season games.

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.

Following an excellent lunch, more than 50 former Midsomer Norton RFC players mingled with the rest of the spectators to watch what they hoped would be a good game of rugby.

What followed was an exhibition of 15-man exciting and entertaining rugby, with the final score being Midsomer Norton RFC 50 - Gordano 12.

The Indian summer continued as Midsomer Norton RFC followed the road much travelled to Gloucester for the third league match of the season, playing Coney Hill.

The first half was comfortable but frustrating as some inaccuracies meant that the score was only 5 v 10 at half time, James Abbott scoring under the posts after an offload from Tom Clark and Taylor kicking the conversion and a penalty.

Purnell Sports Netball Club's Minstrels were keen and ready for their first match of the season against Robins in sunny Bruton.

With a lean number of seven, Midsomer Norton-based Minstrels knew they had to preserve their energy and prevent any injuries happening during the game.

Midsomer Norton 1st XV welcomed Clevedon on a beautiful day at Norton Down for what was a very entertaining afternoon of running rugby, finishing in a 46-19 victory for the home side.

The red and whites started well, exerting lots of pressure during the opening minutes. Taylor slotted a penalty from close range to give Norton the lead, 3-0.

Midsomer Norton RFC were chomping at the bit to get stuck into some league rugby after a positive pre-season as they travelled to Chipping Sodbury for the season opener.

After a very positive start they took the lead with a penalty from last year's player of the season Ben Taylor but then the home side hit back by exploiting the blindside to lead 5-3.

Youth was to the fore at the Midsomer Triathlon in Midsomer Norton yesterday (September 1).

The male and female winners were very talented youngsters. Overall female winner Daisy Davies, who was also first Junior, is only 17.

Following successful sold out events with Jan Molby, Lee Sharpe and Ray Parlour, Welton Rovers Supporters' Club are proud to welcome Chris Sutton to Midsomer Norton for their 2019 Sportsperson's dinner - and tickets are selling fast.

Chris Sutton enjoyed a fantastic career as a professional footballer in England and Scotland, winning the Premier Division title in 1995, and four Scottish League titles with Celtic, as well as individual glory, winning the Premier Division Golden Boot in 1998. Since retiring he's gone on to become one of the nation's most recognisable sports pundits on BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live.