Chater's Magical Moments Win It For Vos

Another interesting week at Novos has come to and end. Despite the World Cup bringing joy to millions it has caused a lot of problems at Novos this week. After the two clubs were unable to agree an early kick off Novos were without several key players for this fixture. However, this did not stop us preparing well with over 40 players at each session. On Thursday, Rob Vickers held an hour long front row clinic as we continue to try and develop some of our back row players to front row support.

We started the match brightly, getting over the gain line via carries from Luke Menzfeld, Iain Dodds and Josh Igoe. Early pressure was applied for several mins but we were unable to convert into points. The match was to have many talking points by the end of the game. The first one came after 10 mins when Lewis Chater took a quick tap 25m out. None of the Rovers defenders were back ten and it looked like we were in. However, a Rovers player held him back but strangely no card nor a penalty try. To make matters worse we missed the resulting kick at goal.

The game was a real arm wrestle throughout the first half as the two forward packs battled for dominance. It was going to take a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock. It arrived in the form of Lewis Chater. A loose ball was picked up by Chater and he raced in from 30m leaving three defenders in his wake. Conversion added for a 7-0 lead.

Rovers were now starting to feel the pressure and were getting annoyed at the whistle going against them. A lot of the issues were at the breakdown where Ben Merrett was putting on a Tackle/Turnover Masterclass. They were marched back several times but with no further punishment issued. From one indiscretion Richard Dodd kicked his second goal to extend the lead to 10-0.

Our opponents were undisciplined at times but at times their anger at the ref also spurred them to play better. After a period of pressure they scored a try to make the half time score 10-5 to Novos.

The game was a top start affair at times with the whistle going heavily against Rovers at times. Rovers time to apply some pressure as they had a number of lineouts in our 22m. We repelled each one and Rovers frustration boiled over with a stamp on a Novos player. Yellow card issued but it could easily have been a red for reckless use of the boot.

With a defender short Rovers kicked deep to Novos back three. The ball was fielded by Carl Parkinson and he drifted between two defenders and managed an amazing offload out of the tackle to Sam Busby. Sam then ran the ball in from 30m stepping the fullback to go in untouched. Conversion added by Dodd as Novos stretched out to a 17-5 lead.

At 17-5 it looked like we were going to pull away so changes were made.

Rovers got their player back but then lost another for dissent. However, this only seemed to lift them and they had their best spell of the match hitting Novos twice in 5 mins to make the match 17-17 with fifteen mins to play.

More changes made including skipper Alex Littlefair back on to rally his charges. This seem to galvanise Novos into a response as we went into Rovers territory. Lewis Chater darted from the side of a ruck and executed a perfect kick behind the Rovers defence. Sam Busby raced onto the kick and under pressure managed to scoop it up at full speed and dive in for the winning try, 22-17 to Novos.

There was time for the kick off but Novos secured possession and executed a well practised keep ball drill for the final 1 1/2 mins before kicking the ball off the park for their first ever league win over Rovers.

Thanks firstly to all the lads that filled in due to unavailability of some of our regular first teamers. Especially to Joe Ball who after one hours training on Thursday, played 80 mins at hooker rather than putting on a back row shirt. There were many strong performances but Tommy Goodman, Joe Ball and Luke Menzfeld were great, all putting in 80 min shifts in the front row. Iain Dodds and Jack Spoor were influential and Ben Merrett was a shining light throughout. Out wide Carl Parkinson was great with support from two try hero, Sam Busby. However, Man of the Match was young Lewis Chater. His two moments of individual brilliance were worthy of winning any match. Lewis us off to uni now but leaves us with four more points in the bag.

Thanks to Brian for taking charge of the game. It was not easy for him as the Rovers touch judge, their old fellas and the majority of their players were quick to have a go at him.

For our lads its Medicals next week and the two clubs have agreed a 1200 kick off to ensure the players can enjoy the world cup and still represent their clubs. The Battle of the Roundabout is sure to be a massive game for both sides. Novos have the early season momentum but form often goes out the window on derby day.

Well done to our 2's who had a great win at Corbridge and continue to enjoy their rugby. Was a great effort to get three sides ou