Class of 2016 End Novos 117 Year Wait For Cup Success

Squad News - despite the unavailability of players such as Josh Igoe, Josh Wright, Geroge Davidson, Sam Warren, Cillian O'Shaughnessy and Bruno Smith - Novos were able to select a very strong side to play Ponteland in a repeat of last years final. Given our league position you would assume this would be our last crack at it before being sent back to the senior cup.

The warm up went well and the message being hammered home to stay calm, no matter what happens.

Ponteland started the game on fire as they made half breaks, off loaded out of tackles and generally caused us a lot of problems. Three mins in Ponteland look like they were going to score and Ben Merrett was very lucky to get away with a cynical foul on the goal line. Michael Searle kicked the resulting penalty for a well deserved 3-0 lead to Ponteland.

We finally got some possession which eventually led to a Johnno Wilkes penalty. 3-3.

From the kick off Ponteland kicked well and drove deep into our half again. They threw everything into the first fifteen mins but were unable to make the most of their pressure. We started making our hits, Jez Nash smashed his opposite number and the ball spilt free. Couple of passes and Sam Busby went in from 70m after beating about 6 defenders. The only defender who was able to get him was the fella who landed a cheap shot on him in the act of scoring (this is the 5th time this season a Novos player has been fouled in the act of scoring, something that needs addressing). Johnno Wilkes slotted the conversion from in front for a 10-3 Novos lead.

Novos had settled into the game now after staying remarkably calm when Ponteland were on top. After a great team attack the forwards drove us into Pontelands half. The ball was eventually moved out wide where Aedan Moloney bust a few tackles to go in. This time in the act of scoring he defended himself and knocked over the same Ponteland player who had fouled Busby after he dotted the ball down. The officials got together and gave Aedan a yellow card. Not a great way top celebrate a good try but off he trudged to the sideline. Wilkes again put over the kick to make it 17-3 at half time.

Despite the numerical advantage Ponteland had it was Novos that drew first blood in the second half. Our pack were now dominating the forward battle which led to Pete Twentyman crashing over whilst his Mrs was unfortunately looking the other way ! Novos up 22-3

We managed to ride out the next 6 mins so Moloney got back on and restored us to 15. Not for long though as Tommy Goodman was given a yellow card whilst carrying the ball into a tackle.

Whilst back down to 14 we still looked to counter attack at every opportunity. From a poor kick into midfield Johnny Ward rounded several players before putting Wilkes in to make it 27-3 and Ponteland under the cosh as our 15th man was back on.

The last 10 mins was all Novos as Busby raced in for another long distance try, converted by Wilkes. Then the final try of the day came from Moloney, conversion added by Richard Dodd to make the end score 41-3.

The refs whistle was met with jubilant scenes as Novos ended their 117 year wait for cup success !

Thank you to Tony and his team for taking charge of the game. Despite it being a final there were no major incidents as the game was generally played in good spirits.

To Ponteland, you won last year so its was our turn ! You really had us under the cosh in the first 15 mins but didn't turn into points on the scoreboard. You have been in good form of late and we wish you well in your remaining games of the league season.

Novos - a day to remember and a page written in our history books. Looking forward to seeing what else this young group of players can do over the next 4-5 years. All 21 of you gave everything for the shirt. However, a massive thanks to Alex Littlefair, Jez Nash and Pete Twentyman who have not only led the team well in the earlier rounds but were fantastic individually in the final.

Last but not least thanks should go to everyone involved at the club. From the Aliks, Coops and Lenny, Lucy and her bar staff, the coaches (Rob, Andy, Gareth, Ray) the clubs other players who come to training and help improve the group every week. A massive thank you and like Stowey said I am now 1 from 1, not 1 from 7 !!