CAPTAINS MATCH REPORT :Saturday 21st October 2017: Norton RFC Vs United Bristol Hospitals RFC.

This was a new challenge for Norton as United Bristol Hospitals (UBHRFC) are new to the league and seem to be making a very good impression with wins over the 50 + point mark, but this didn’t unhinge Norton. This was the toughest game Norton has encounter so far this season, meaning the whole team was ready and rearing to go.
Norton ran at every opportunity, surprising the UBHRFC defence, with the enterprise and skills. However, this didn’t last long as a turn over ball and quick hands by UBHRFC backs lead to them crossing the line in at the corner flag, making it 0-5. The extra points were made making it 0-7
Next it was the turn of Norton’s forwards, a good pick and go followed by an offload to Pete Gwilliam who broke the game line making 20 meters into UBHRFC 22. With great support and a strong clear out, allowing early distribution of the ball, resulted in Gareth Rogers crossing the line to make the score 7-5. Harvey Cooke made no mistake in converting the extra points in the windy conditions, the score was now 7-7.
After a long hard-fought battle, with both teams showing resilience in attacks and defence UBHRFC managed to break down Norton’s green line., to cross the whitewash for a second time, making the score 7-12. Their kicker made the conversation making it 7-14, and that was the half.
The second half was a much closer affair. Norton got off to a great start with some immaculate defence from a ruthless UBHRFC attack. Through good discipline, Norton turned the ball over and applied heavy pressure when using it. Norton was camped in their 22, sending wave after wave of attacks, but unfortunately Norton gave away a penalty resulting in a UBHRFC scrum. After a hard-fought scrum, they made a quick decision and went down the blind side with strength, speed and numbers resulting in a try for UBHRFC. The extra points were made making it 7-21.
This did not hurt Norton’s pride and passion, as they showed hunger and drive to get another try. After good crash balls and good hands from the backs, UBBHRFC could not handle the pressure and award Norton a penalty in their 22. After a good drive and a number 8 pickup from Robert Dickson, Norton crossed the line again under the posts. Harvey Cooke again didn’t make any mistake and converted the points, making the score 14-21.
UBHRFC kept applying pressure and didn’t stop attacking, deep into the second half. They crossed the line once again with quick hands and passing the ball out wide. Unfortunately, due to the strong winds they could not convert the points, resulting in the final score being 14-26.
Even with the game resulting in a loss, this was a particularly pleasing performance by Norton. Not only by the effort from all the players, but also the way in which the boys played with such heart and passion. They were clearly enjoying themselves. It was also significant that UBHRFC, are well drilled and an organised team.
For this game, Norton awarded Man of the Match to the whole team, for showing such pride, passion and great individual effort. We would like to wish Pete Gwilliam a quick and speedy recovery.

Updated 19:37 - 26 Oct 2017 by Tom Mitchell