MATCH REPORT ??
Saturday 27th January 2018: Norton RFC Vs Westbury on Severn RFC.
The first local derby of the year came with rubbish weather and strong winds. This didn’t effect either team and their positive mindset, as both squads have had a good run of late. Yesterday brought what was expected, a hard fought battle between two good sides.
Norton started the first half very well, from the get go they are hungry and aggressive, but unfortunately gave a penalty away in the first few minutes. Westbury put the ball into the scrum but Norton manage to turn possession over, and fed the ball out to the hungrily awaiting backs. They took the fight straight to Wetsbury. After a couple of good forward carries, space opened up for Tom Eaton to make some good distance before a clever offload resulted in a try. Conversion goes wide! Norton 5 – 0 Westbury.
Westbury restarted the game and took the fight back to Norton as they pinned the home team back in 22. With some good displays of defence Norton managed to regain possession through a penalty given against Westbury. Norton opt for a scrum and kick clear of the 22. With a good chase, Norton get another penalty which is kicked to the corner.
Norton’s line out is well collected and a good driving maul formed. The ball is released from the back of the maul into a few crashing runs, but Westbury’s defense was not giving up that easily! Norton kept the crash balls coming and eventually crossed the line from the power of Ben Brickworth. Unforgivable winds pushed the ball left of the posts. Norton 10-0 Westbury.
Nobody on derby day likes to be behind early. Westbury came out from the restart with strong attacking lines and good support play but Norton defensive line was well organised resulting in Westbury kicking over for a chase. Norton scramble for the ball but their efforts fall short as Westbury come running through picking up the ball and scoring in the corner. Extra points were made. Norton 10- 7 Westbury.
Norton restarted the game, with good pressure and speed, managed to gather the ball from the kick off. The game was well fought for a while with good displays of defence from Westbury and attacking lines from Norton. Norton continued this display resulting in outside centre Tom Eaton making a break through Westbury’s back line and going under the posts. The quick feet sells everyone! Conversion made Norton 17 – 7 Westbury.
This didn’t go down well with Westbury and from the restart they were on top of Norton, not letting them out of their own 22. With Norton trying to escape they gave the ball away and Westbury got a penalty. With some quick thinking from Westbury they took the tap and go quickly, taking Norton by surprise, and crossed the line. The conversion was made in difficult winds. Norton 17 – 14 Westbury.
Half Time Norton RFC 17 – 14 Westbury RFC
Both coaches must of have had some strong words at half time as both teams came out more eager and aggressive than the start of the first half. Norton restarted the second half and took the fight straight to Westbury putting the pressure on with attacking lines and forward moves. The effort paid off for Norton as they regain a loose ball and kick down the field from the back line. Once again, Tom Eaton, wins the foot race onto a bouncing ball and crossed the Westbury line under the posts. Extra points were made. Norton 24 – 14 Westbury.
Westbury restart the game, and really didn’t want Norton to have the ball as they collected their own kick. For the next couple of minutes, from both sides, there were some outstanding displays of discipline and communication as both teams fought it out in the windy conditions. Suddenly a loose ball appears. Norton kick clear and chase, with quick thinking the ball was collected and raced over the white line, Norton try! Conversion missed. Norton 29 – 14 Westbury.
Full time score Norton 29 – 14 Westbury
Yesterday’s game was a good display of how far both team have come over the last couple of years with good skills and drills, hungry for the game. For this match, Man Of The March was awarded to Elliott Cash for outstanding effort and fantastic display in defense and attack. DoD was given to Tom Hawksworth for making a number of high tackles. We would like to thank all the supporters for coming down to Norton. Westbury we wish all the best for the rest of the season.
Team Captain – Tom Mitchell