Novos edge out Wallsend

Novos spectators had been treated to a glut of tries in pre season, 11 tries scored by Novos in just two games, but this was never going to happen in the final warm up game against our old adversaries from Wallsend.

Novos finished last season in defeat to an already relegated Wallsend side and with ex rugby league pro, Stephen Rutherford amongst their ranks and a hard working strong pack, Wallsend are not a side to be taken lightly.

Novos had initially named a squad of 30 hoping to give all a decent run out but several late call offs for work and an illness to Jack Watkins and Andy Gardiner meant Novos were again fielding an experimental line up in places.

Novos went behind in the first quarter despite dominating posession when some sloppy play gave the ball away and Wallsend broke quickly to put away their speedy winger to score out wide for 5 - 0, the conversion was missed. Novos got straight back into the attack and a barnstorming run from Jamie Diggle was ended when an offload to Ed Yuill saw him mark his return to the squad following injury with a try easily converted by Shaun Stewart to ensure Novos edged in slightly ahead at half time.

The Second half saw more of the same, some bone crunching tackles from Wayne Henaghen reminded Novos of a young Tommy Wilson and Shaun Stewart showed why he will be missed when he goes travelling to New Zealand to take in the wolrd cup.

Finally Jamie Diggle made another strong break, this time finishing himself with Sean Stewart adding the extra points. With the game drawing to close Wallsend scored a converted try of their own as the night sky drew in the game ended Wallsend 12 Novos 14.

League rugby starts Saturday with 1sts, 2nds and Centurians all in action against Ashington.