What a difference a year makes ! Whilst this match was a repeat of last years opening fixture, the result was not repeated. Darlington arrived in apparent turmoil having not fulfilled their league fixture the week before. Novos have been flying in pre season and came into this game full of confidence, with the strongest side I have put out in my three years at Novos.

Despite Darlo's woes a week before it was apparent they had come to battle and with a game plan. The first half an hour was very competitive as Darlington stopped the game at every whistle, not allowing Novos to play rugby. At thirty mins the score was 0-0 and it could be said Darlo had edged it in terms of territory and possession. They were allowed to slow the game throughout and dragged us into an arm wrestle early on.

Eventually, the Novos pack started to get on top of the Darlington scrum and were able to get turnovers in the loose via Alex Littlefair and Alex Westgarth. After some decent possession Carl Parkinson scored a try, converted by Richard Dodd for a 7-0 lead right on 30 mins.

The ref was now starting to lose patience with Darlo's tactics and several whistles went in our favour. This allowed us to kick into opposition territory where we performed a well executed catch and drive. Iain Dodds came up with the ball whilst others around him accordingly drew forth their handbags. The game got a bit edgy at times and Darlo's Dan Miller was the first opponent to be yellow carded.

With an extra man Novos were able to attack with greater speed and intensity. On the stroke of half time Johnny Ward went over for another converted try by Dodd.

Novos in the lead at half time 21-0 but still a contest at this stage as Darlo had the breeze at their backs. Calmness was the key at half time as we spoke about how we could get some more enjoyment out of the game - tempo, tempo was the plan.

The second half was a completely different game as the whistle continued in our favour and Darlo were unable to slow the game down any longer. First Aedan Moloney went in, the Johnny Ward went in twice from long range, two conversions added by Dodd for a 40-0 score line.

Our subs were on now and Shaun Stewart and Josh Stacey were straight into the action. Stacey burst upfield from a kick off and off loaded to Josh Igoe for a great try, conversion added for 47-0.

Next kick off Stewart released a great pass for Ward to stride in as we hit the half century at 52-0.

We scored great team tries all day although the next try was a great solo effort. Moloney fielded a kick metres from our line and chucked a 20m pass over to fellow wing Sam Busby. The ample crowd at Sutherland Park were then treated to a trademark Busby run as he broke the line and then left the cover defence in his wake. Converted by Dodd to make it 59-0.

The ref then called the game early after concerns for an injured Darlo player.

A real team effort today and some great cohesion shown from a group of lads who have predominately been together all pre season. Pete Twentyman, Tommy Goodman, Luke Menzfeld, Alex Westgarth and Josh Stacey dominated the Darlo scrum for long periods. In the boiler room Chris Ward put in his best performance I have seen in my time here. He was well supported by Iain Dodds who carried well and put in hits around the field. The pack had great balance this week as Alex Littlefair put in a huge shift at seven, Josh Igoe enjoyed the freedom of six and Alex Westgarth provide us with power from the base of the scrum.

The backs probably had their best day since I started coaching with some real cohesion at times. Cillian O'Shaughnessy looks like a great acquisition and lined well with Richard Dodd and Lewis Chater. The midfield duo of Jez Nash and Johnny Ward compliment each other well. However, perhaps the backs most potent weapon was the speedsters out wide. In Aedan Moloney and Sam Busby we have real finishing ability and at the back Carl Parkinson was the glue holding all the parts together, including one world class off load right in front of the balcony !

Thank you to Brian Callender for taking charge of the match. Not an easy game to whistle as Darlo tried to slow the game down throughout.

To Darlo, I hope better times are ahead. I remember going there in the late 90's when they had a great side, excellent facilities and were looking to become a powerhouse in north east rugby. I thought several of their lads kept going to the end and stayed positive throughout. I know there are some players to come back into the squad soon I hope that gives you a boost in atmosphere and results. If you can extend that first 30 mins deeper into the match, you will have no problems regarding league position.

To our lads, top of the table clash next week at Consett. They too are flying after smashing Ponteland in their first outing. Always a great game between two sides who want to play rugby. Sadly, I will not be there to see it as my school team has an afternoon fixture. Massive effort this week as we try to continue our preseason momentum.