Master Plan Completed

With a great turn out by the clubs player on Thursday, Novos went into this match as prepared as they could possible be. Consett, in the knowledge that a playoff place could not be achieved waltzed in 40 mins before kick off.

Consett are a very good side with a couple of the best players in the league. However, the difference on this occasion would be one team had to win and they other did not.

Novos got off to just they start they hard talked about. Early pressure, a penalty put over by Shaun Stewart. Novos 3-0 and the Ponteland boys on the sideline still smiling as it was early days.

Perhaps over eager Novos were conceding penalties at the break down as we were not listening to the ref. Eighteen minutes in we had conceded four penalties for the same thing. After another penalty the ref had no choice but to try and stop this and rightly yellow carded Sean Ramsay (his first ever yellow card !)

Despite being down to 14 men it was Novos putting the pressure on. A huge three points was gained as Stewart kicked another one over. Novos 6-0 at half time.

Seeing Novos wall of defence against a Consett side running the ball from everywhere. Ponteland lads were experiencing squeaky bum time !

Second half and Novos continued to make numerous line breaks with no reward. However, the defence was outstanding as we double talked everything and stopped Consetts off loading game.

After some strong running from Novos forwards, Jake Pickering carried the ball beyond the Consett line of defence. Quick ball generated and Consett couldn't recover as safe hands and James Bass went in the corner. Conversion superbly added by Stewart. Novos 13-0.

More pressure from Novos as they were seeking the killer blow. A great break by Scott Elliot, penalty conceded. Stewart kicks it over. Novos 16-0. Ponteland lads proper bricking it now.

Consett are a good side and now enjoyed their best spell of the match. With three front rowers caught in midfield Consett picked us off and scored a good try. Novos 16-7 and looking to get back into the match.

The game then got a lot closer as a speculative kick bounced the right way for them and they scored another try. Novos 16-12 and coming under a bit of pressure.

Novos responded once more and another break by Elliot led to another penalty. Stewart slotted it, Novos 19-12.

The game should have been finished as Novos crossed the line twice. However, one was held up then the other chance being dropped over the line ! On other occasions these things have proved costly. However, Pontelands fate was settled as Stewart kicked another penalty for a famous Novos win 22-12.

The drama wasn't over however, as Consett scored in the corner to make it 22-17. Then their fullback sustained what looked like a broken ankle. The final whistle was greeted with joy by the Novos players and supporters. Sadly the Ponteland lads did not come up for a beer !

Cheers to Greg for reffing the match. He normally refs at a higher level than our match and perhaps that was why we gave away a few pens. We are not used to refs talking to us !

Thanks to all the supporters, Lucy and her bar staff. Thanks to the captains and vice captains of all our sides and all the other people who put in a massive effort off the pitch. Cheers to the physios and especially to Tane for helping us out with the coaching, he is possibly one of the nicest blokes I have ever met and we all wish him well in whatever he does next.

Finally, thanks to the players who have put on a Novos shirt this season. We are learning a lot from playing in what is a very competitive league. I am adamant that if we can keep this side together we can move forward substantially and can push up the table in coming years.

No training on Tuesday as we have a couple of days to celebrate. See you all at training on Thursday as club matches continue on Saturday !