Old Novos run out winners

This was the second game to take place in memory of John Elders and it seemingly looks set to place itself as a regular event in the rugby and social calendar. Novos scrabbled a side together, with five guests and a smattering of colts and junior club players to take on a strong Old Novos side. The ONA side held players in its ranks from the National Leagues, four ex-school captains and a whole host of school rugby colours - evident for the sea of maroon in the clubhouse after the game!

The game kicked off in good spirits, with Old Novos running out with three early tries, Matthew Lowes of Esher RFC looking dangerous in the loose forwards and scoring two of the three tries. Novos weren't disheartened and managed to work the ball up the pitch and kept their opponents in check with some hard running. At half time, yuletide spirit was displayed with the sharing of port between both sides! Old Novos scored a few more tries as Novos tired. Novos' colts Patch Monteith and Sam Dayton didn't look out of place with a confident display, Rich Harrison and Gus Graham rolled back the years playing exceptionally well. Indeed, all of the players for Novos put in a solid showing against a very good side. The three Moloney's played well, as did MoM Matt Dawson. Jonny Ward, back in the (blue) hoops of Novos managed to score our only try near the end of the game. This allowed referee, Dave Charlton to decree that the next try wins - unfortunately however, Old Novos managed to score the final try and lift the trophy!

Final score: Novos 7-39 Old Novos Association

Up we went to a very full bar after the game and the festivities continued. ONA skipper, Nick Richardson, was handed the inaugurated trophy by John Elders' son, Neil. Neil then went onto present the club with his dad's Barbarians tie, his Northumberland County Cap, his RFU blazer badge from the victorious 1972 South Africa tour and an England Tour shirt from the New Zealand tour of 1973 (England have only beaten New Zealand away once more since this tour).

Can I give my thanks to everybody who played for both sides, the crowd, the three officials for making the game run smoothly (Dave Charlton's rucking was exceptional!), the ONA Committee and finally to John's family.

There seems to be real appetite for rugby in between Christmas and New Year; this game of rugby in honour of a Novos legend certainly didn't disappoint. Here's to next year and hopefully the club can aim to win the trophy back off the school!