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Preview - Novos vs Whitby on 22.09 @ 15.00

Preview - Novos vs Whitby on 22.09 @ 15.00

Magnus Leask20 Sep 2018 - 08:25
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Novos are in a good place at the moment and welcome Whitby to Sutherland Park on Saturday 22nd Sep at 1500.

I am excited for Saturday's fixture as I don't either recall playing or coaching against Whitby since my arrival in England back in 1998. It is always great to meet some new rugby people, different coaches and styles of play. I look forward to sharing a pint with our opponents after the game.

We have been quietly building each week since the season started with a creditable showing at West Hartlepool, a great win at home to Stockton then a convincing win on Saturday at Ponteland. However, Saturday will be a huge test as a heavy Whitby pack arrive at our gates and we are a much changed side due to unavailability and injury. Out go Iain Dodds and Ben Wollerton injured last week. They are joined by Tom Cox, Jez Nash and Jonny Ward who are unavailable.

Novos have created some real depth this season through a few new players added to the first team squad. In come Nick Bellamy and Henry Wilson who will be making their home debuts for Novos. Back into the first team come James Bass, Ben Kelly and Chris Law all promoted from the two's. Ben Merrett is on the bench after a fine display for the Vets on Friday night.

It will be an intriguing battle as Whitby will look to starve us of ball and build on their much improved performance against Gateshead last week where they were able to score a bonus point for scoring four tries.

For our lads it will be about maintaining our high level of preparation through the week and then putting or plans into action under pressure on Saturday.

Get down on Saturday at 1500 to watch as we try to get three wins on the bounce. Up the Vos !

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