CHIPPING SODBURY 26 MIDSOMER NORTON 31

Midsomer Norton claimed a very late bonus-point win away to Chipping Sodbury, despite letting the Home team build a healthy lead in the first half.

Chipping Sodbury started very bright as they looked to spread the ball to the wide channels. After just a few minutes they took the lead – the Sodbury winger sprinted over to collect the first points of the afternoon.

Norton struggled to get into the game, arguably somewhat a little off the pace following a tough mid-week cup match at Keynsham. Chipping Sodbury went on to score another three unanswered tries, taking it to 26-0 with thirty minutes played.

Having been starved of the ball for long periods of the first half, Norton finally began to play some rugby in the right areas. Just before half-time, full-back, Luke Murphy, got Norton off the mark to give his side some confidence to go into the break 26-7.

This confidence helped Norton massively. Although the lineout wasn’t fully functioning, Norton’s scrum dominated its opposition. After a series of attacking scrums close to the try line, number eight, Joe Button, touched down as the visitors’ pack drove over.

Chipping Sodbury were then under immense pressure for the remainder of the game. Norton clinched a walkover penalty try from another scrum, due to bullying from the colossal front row of Edgell, Mitch Rose and Jenner.

This put the scores at 26-24 in favour of Chipping Sodbury going into the final minutes. Norton held on to the ball and began their hunt for the try line. After being awarded consecutive penalties, Norton opted for a scrum just five metres out, and inevitably the away pack drove over again, Joe Button collecting his second try which won the game and more importantly, secured a home play-off match for his side.

The play-off match will be held at Norton Down on Saturday, 27th April against Devon side Crediton; kick-off time to be confirmed.