Novos 19, Sunderland 15

In our second match of the season we played against a much improved Sunderland side. Whilst we won 19-15 I reckon that is the strongest Sunderland side I have since for almost 13-15 years. The had their usual strengths up front but they added a seven who was a nuisance on the ball and a few young backs with a desire to run the ball.

It was a well contested match in awful conditions as the rain smashed down on play at Sutherland Park.

From a Novos perspective there were a lot of positives - young Luke Foster continues to impress and took the jump from the 3's to the 1's with ease. The scrum dominated Sunderland at times, something we have not done in the past. Shaun Stewart made a great impact of the bench. In addition, the new midfield pairing of Jez Nash and Sam Busby looked sharp for this time of the season. Finally, it was great to see so many products of RGS take the field for the first team - Gus Antons, Daniel Whittaker, Bruno Smith, Lewis Chater and Jonno Wilkes all taking part in the match with their school mates.

Sunderland started the better of the two sides and deservedly took a 5-0 lead after a fine team try. However, Novos responded immediately via speedster Sam Busby, conversion added by Jonno Wilkes.

In a good spell, Martin Fearon scored near the posts after some fine support play, conversion added by Wilkes. This time it was Sunderlands turn to respond with a try making it 14-10 to Novos at half time. Changes were made over the next 30 mins as Sunderland scored to take a 15-14 lead into the last 15 mins.

As was often the case last season, Lewis Chater popped up to get the match winner off the bench for a 19-15 win.

The sad news of John Drummond's passing had come in towards the end of the game. It was fantastic to see rugby lads sticking together as some of the Sunderland lads shared our changing room to clear their heads. Rugby is by far the greatest sport on the planet and this was just more evidence of that fact.

Our thoughts go out to the Drummond family and to the rugby community in Sunderland. Incredible to think it was not that long ago that John was running around Sutherland Park giving his all for his club. I know he will be a big miss around the clubhouse but I also know that the Sunderland lads will put in a huge effort this season in his memory. Good luck boys and we wish you all well this season.