Off to a flying start

Most of the players seemed a little apprehensive and nervous and some simple mistakes were expected as the two teams settled down to this fully committed match. Novos had some new faces in the squad and several players playing out of position, but soon showed to be the more experienced and confident side. Hartlepool were bigger and more physical but their inexperience was evident with some 4 or 5 penalties in the first ten minutes.

In the 15th minute Ruth Scott, Novos fly half, took a quick tap penalty and was through the initial line of defence. A simple inside pass to Rebecca Rees, who went over for the 1st try. Josie Pointon, playing fullback this afternoon, slotted over the conversion. Hartlepool tried to come back into the game, but the home side defence held out. The whole team playing with 100% commitment and enthusiasm. Ten minutes on and Ruth Scott breaks from a Novos ruck. With several players shouting for the pass she produces an outrageous dummy pass and then a second dummy pass and sprints to the line. The successful conversion by Josie Pointon.

Rolling subs are allowed in this league and some of the players appreciated the 10-15 minute breaks to recover. In the second half five further tries from Rachael "Frosty" Frost, Josie Pointon, Rebecca Rees and two from Daisy Reavie. Plus 4 conversions from Josie Pointon.

This was a team performance and all the players played 100%. Particular mention to captain Cathy Foster, and players of the match Ruth Scott & Victoria River.