We had a late change to our squad as Richard Dodd was hamstrung and missed the opportunity to play at the home of Rob Vickers... and the Falcons. in came Shaun Stewart in a like for like replacement.

Berwick got off to an unlucky start as their prop ripped his boot in the first play and then a lad was forced from the field with what looked a bad injury (hope it was nothing serious) Novos on the other hand were dominant at scrum time and were getting over the gain line. Berwick used a very deep back 3, perhaps due to the KP pitch. However, our lads reacted well to an unknown side and just used this lack of defensive numbers to carry the ball well. The Novos pack have been playing well for weeks now and their play led to the first try by Josh Igoe, converted by Stewart.

Berwick responded and got into the game via a desire to move the ball to their dangerous backs. Some pressure to lead to a few too many offsides and Berwick converted a penalty kick. Novos 7-3

The biggest difference between the two sides was perhaps Novos dominance of the gain line. Iain Dodds, Josh Stacey and Alex Littlefair leading the charge resulting in a long range penalty from Stewart. Novos 10-3.

Berwick were a good side and every time we scored the bounced back and applied pressure. Having missed the kick off Berwick worked their way into our 22m and eventually kicked another penalty, Novos 10-6.

In a back and forth game, Novos began a period of dominance. We marched our way up the pitch and started to control territory. Captain Littlefair turned down a kickable penalty in a desire to turn the screw on Berwick. Great result as we drove a lineout 15m out for Josh Igoe to crash over for a double. Novos up 15-6.

Still controlling the gain line battle, Novos backs started to come into the game as we saw line breaks from Jez Nash, Sam Busby and George Hazell. On the back of some fine team play Ben Merrett went in wide out for a try. Novos 20-6 and kicking on. Next it was Luke Mitchell's turn to bag a try, converted from wide out by Stewart, Novos 27, Berwick 6.

Despite the score line at this stage Berwicks backs had looked a threat all night but had made some errors just when they looked likely to score. They finally started to look a bit more clinical and their 15 went in for an outstanding finish (pleased he had not seen much ball as he looked class) Novos up 27-13 but Berwick grabbing some momentum.

Berwick were awarded back to back pens and we were pushed back into our own half. The away side then scored a fine team try, finished by their midfield backs. Novos up 27-18 but a nervy last ten about to take place. We made some changes to regain dominance upfront and that was sufficient to build pressure. Novos awarded a penalty, slotted by Stewart to push Novos out to a 30-18 final score.

Thanks needed to a lot of people.... Rob Vickers for arranging KP, the lads gave that extra 5% because of the venue. Mark Spoor for sponsoring the game. Dave Charlton and his assistants for controlling such an entertaining match, our U13's who did a magnificent job as ball boys. Finally, a big thank you to our support group in making it a memorable night - WAGS, Aliks, players from our other sides all turned out in force to ensure the lads booked a second cup final in three seasons for the mighty Vos.

Training as usual on Thursday but more geared to getting our 2/3's ready for their cup matches. Could we get three sides for cup final day ?!

On Saturday the 1st team play Stockton, away.