Novos Hit The Trebles

Horden arrived at Sutherland Park in good form having won their first two matches. A tight struggle was expected between two sides with 100% records on the line. We had a bump in the road with a poor session on Thursday despite 47 players being in attendance ! Bit of a rev up and boy did the lads respond.

The match was very even for the first 20 mins as Hordens heavy pack edged the scrum battle but our top scavengers (Ben Merrett, Jez Nash) were turning the ball over at every other ruck. We struggled to lift the tempo in the early stages. However, after our first quick tap we moved the ball away which saw Aedan Moloney to speed in for his first try, converted by Richard Dodd. Novos 7-0.

Horden then tried to respond but things were not going their way. With a 4 on 2 their centre found Moloney instead of his own man and Aedan ran in again from about 80m, converted by Dodd. Novos 14-0. Pet hate occurs as Horden stay at the half way line rather than go behind the posts. I was rather irate as it shows a lack of respect for the team who scored the try.

We were flying now as the tempo was high and a lot of whistles going in our favour. This allowed Dodd to carve up territory with his boot. From one kick into the corner Ben Merrett went over after a 20m rolling maul was beautifully executed. Novos racing out to a 19-0 lead.

Horden didn't look at the races as we were outplaying them in almost every aspect of the game. Yet they were the next scorers via a charged down kick. Novos 19-7.

The cheap score we gave them simply drove us on as we raised the tempo in the last 15 mins of the first half. We worked our way into Horden's 22 and the forwards making yards around the fringes. After bringing in the Horden defence the ball was spread to the backs and a simple shape saw Johnny Ward go in for a try converted by Dodd.

Our pack was really on top now and there was no sign of the Horden maul that we had been warned about. This was mainly due to the lineout play of Chris Ward, Alex Littlefair and Josh Igoe. From one steal by Chris the ball was shifted out to Moloney as he grabbed a first half hat-trick !

Novos back three have been on fire so far this season and just before half time it was Sam Busby's turn to get in the action. First of all some great defence kept Horden at bay then Jez Nash grabbed an intercept. After looking around he made the easy choice and fed the ball to Busby. Not many can live with Sam's pace and footwork and off he raced for a try, converted by Dodd. Half time 38-7.

Bit of a chat about keeping the pace up. However, the opposite occurred as we perhaps decided to hang on to what we had. Horden used this to get back into the game with a decent try and a soft one. Novos up 38-19.

Horden eventually tired again in the last quarter which is our time to shine. We managed to put another 28 points on in the latter part of the game. Tries were scored by Ward J, Carl Parkinson before Busby grabbed two to get his hat-trick. All of them converted by Dodd for a final score of 66-19.

The last try saw a cheap shot from their winger as he put two knees into Sam's back. To his credit Sam just got on with things but I will say this is the second time in three league games I have seen a player cheap shot someone who is defenceless. Needs addressing by coaches, players and refs.

An amazing team performance with everyone stepping up in a massive game. Aedan Moloney was awarded man of the match but I thought our forwards were fantastic in general play. Pete Twentyman was everywhere doing the dirty work, Alex Littlefair was probably my man of the match, Ben Merrett had a great game in attack and defence. In addition, the backs looked really clinical with Jez Nash possibly playing his best ever league game for Vos, only surpassed by his exploits in last seasons cup semi final vs Berwick.

Thanks to Graham Crozier for taking charge of the game. Generally, I thought he was excellent and his rapport with the players is top notch. One of about three refs who I would happily have them ref every game we play. A top lad and a great performance with the whistle.

An incredible start to the season for us as we stay unbeaten. We have some big challenges ahead of us which include title favourites Boro away, then Rovers back at Sutherland Park. We must keep our feet on the ground as we beat Darlo who were a bit unorganised in the first game. Then we had a fantastic win away at Consett. However, I thought Horden were unusually poor today. They had no Plan B after their off loading game did not work and they did not enjoy the warm weather. We have set some pretty high standards so far this season and must maintain them.

Whilst it was great to hear the news that we achieved another treble via the 2's and 3's winning. The mood was dampened by severe injuries to Gav and Ross. Big Gav has put in a huge amount of work around the club of late and he will be a miss as he begins his recovery. Todays game was Ross' first for the club and we wish him well in his recovery.

Two huge sessions this week noting that Thursdays training will be starting early so we can finish for the AB's match ! So bring your towel and wallet as The New Zealand Pie Company will be providing food (the Steak n Cheese are mine lads !)