Four senior XVs will be on show this weekend as Novos look to continue their good form of recent years in the Northumberland Cup competitions. The 1st XV however are travelling to South Shields to take on Westoe; Novos haven’t beaten Westoe since the 1992-93 season when we ran out winners 12-5.

Novos have failed to score a point in their last two outings and will be hoping to right that wrong this weekend. However, Westoe are vying for the title and beat Novos 55-0 at Sutherland Park last time around. Novos will be hoping to provide a shock to aid their relegation battle – indeed it would be a great day to do it as it will make the beer even sweeter on the pub crawl back North of the river! Mr Dias Jr will no doubt have his wig and fine book at the ready to prosecute any wrongdoings during this game!
A strong squad is called into action for this week’s match.
Tommy Goodman returns to the starting line-up, joined by Tom Dias and stand in skipper Pete Twentyman. Iain Dodds, back from a cold, starts in the second row with Josh Igoe. An agile and powerful back row of Rowntree, Fearon and Arbuckle is sure to cause Westoe problems. The venerable Andy Maxwell starts at 9, with Wolfton Brummie Greg Humphreyson, keeping his place at stand-off. Jez Nash and Twickenham hero Sam Busby are in the centres with a back three of Bass, Wollerton and Carl Parkinson. Bench is Steinberg, Stewart and Rory Duncan.

The 2nd XV, after winning the Northumberland Junior Cup (No. 3 competiton) have been promoted into the Senior Shield (No. 2 competiton), showing how strong Novos’ junior sides have developed over the last few years. Novos will take on a strong Percy Park 2nd XV in a league and cup double; Park find themselves 2nd in CANDY 1 having won 9 of their 15 games. Novos did beat Park 2s earlier in the season but have struggled to replicate this as the season has continued. Novos boast a strong side for the game and will be hoping to advance into the semi-finals of a competition the club haven’t won since 1931!

Squad: Milton, Shuttleworth, Dearden, Bird, Murphy, Craven, Foster, Pearson; Dixon, Adair, Groombridge, Kelly ©, J. Parkinson, Forbes, Porter. Subs: Ball, Ward, Faulkner, Youngs, Floyd, Max Antons.

The 3rd XV, are travelling the short distance to Broadway West, to take on Gosforht 2nds, in the Junior Cup (No. 3 competiton) – Novos are the current holders after the 2nd XV’s victory last season Ian Pratt guided the 3rds to the Junior Shield Plate last season and his squad will be confident of bettering that feat this season and making it through to the semi-finals. A strong squad is hoping to replicate this feat against a tough Gosforth side.

Squad- Forwards from: O’Connell, Addison, Graham, Fife, Salt, Gardiner, N. Smith, Pratt (C) , Thomas, Venables, Kaufmann.
Backs from: Selkirk, Harrison, Wilson, Phillips, Richardson, Marshall, Harrap, Richards.

The 4th XV, under Stevie Thompson’s guidance have been playing well this season but have struggled to get weekly games. However, with North Shields 3s standing gin the way, Stevie can call upon another strong squad – showcasing Novos strength in depth throughout the club. Novos last won this competition, rather memorably in 2013 – the hilarity of stories from that (in)famous night still surround the club to this day!

Squad: Thompson ©, Zabrocki, Cousins, Graves, Silk, Gardener, MacDonald, Crowson; Lowes, S. Chater, Dent, J. Humble, Forbes, R. Humble, Evans. Subs: Brown, Whitfield, Spencer, Wilson, Dingwall, Green.

Come on down and support!

Fortiter Defenidt Triumphans