Survival of the Fittest

Last years beaten finalists showed they were up for another cup run, beating Ashington 55-28 at Sutherland Park.

Early exchanges were tight with a heavy Ashington side winning the scrum battle, Novos securing dominance in the lineout and three quarters.

Whilst Ashington toiled away, Novos were making line breaks with each attack. Had Novos finished more of these breaks with an end product who knows what the score would have been.

When the final whistled sounded Novos had won 55-28 with tries from Shaun Stewart (3), Jonny Ward (2), Darren McCrory (2), James Bass and a try on debut from new recruit Jez Nash. Shaun added the extras on five occasions.

My favourite moment of the match was when the visiting teams fly half showed his prowess when the ball was not in play. He kicked a fantastic side line conversion, only to spoil it by doing a very poor impression of Daniel Sturridge's goal celebration.

My least favourite moments were when Ashington players did not go behind the posts after tries... God I hate that. Although, it was after we had gone 90m on two occasions to score, so perhaps it was fair enough during pre-season ?!

Thanks go to the ref, John. We were all on our best behaviour (Gav??) as we have him next week against Guisborough, for the 3rd time in 3 matches !! Surely, we will not concede a single penalty given that we should be used to his interpretations !

So we are through to the next round happy in the knowledge that we cant draw Northumbria Uni this year. Any one at home would be nice.

Next week we entertain Guisborough, a side that flew high in this league last year. It will be an interesting first fixture given their placing last year and it appears most people have Novos as probable relegation strugglers.