Tribute Western North: Midsomer Norton 81pts, Wellington Chiefs 24
Despite the margin of their defeat, the Chiefs could hold their heads high after a gutsy display away to second-placed Midsomer Norton.
They were rewarded for their persistence with a four-try bonus point, secured by Tom Slade with the final play of the match.
The hosts took the lead with an unconverted try after only three minutes and extended their advantage to 12pts-nil after 13 minutes.
Another try made it 17pts-nil midway through the first half before two converted scores in quick succession left the Chiefs trailing 31pts-nil after 27 minutes.
Norton crossed again after 34 minutes and added a further converted try to establish a commanding 43pts-nil interval lead.
But Wellington responded with two excellent long-range tries after the break.
The first covered 90 yards, with Evan Greening starting the move and Joe Snow carrying it on before Slade finished. Alex Davey added the conversion.
The Chiefs then struck from 80 yards out, Aaron Kelly launching an attack which featured fine interpassing among the backs before Greening crossed to reduce the deficit to 43pts-12.
Norton replied with a converted try, but Wellington hit back through Corey Jenkinson, with Davey’s conversion taking their tally to 19 points.
The hosts then pulled away, adding five more tries to reach 81 points as the Chiefs also had to contend with injuries.
But Wellington kept battling and had the final word when Slade crossed for his second try with the last play, earning a deserved bonus point for their spirited second-half response.
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