NOVOS DISH OUT BITTER PILL TO MEDICALS

Novos once again rose above World Cup disruptions and managed to put out a strong squad. Josh Stacey agreed to play up front on one leg, Michael Stowe came in from the twos to hook, skipper Alex Littlefair playing despite illness, Rich Harrison agreed to play out of position at nine. Somewhat patched up side but preparation had been good with both sessions during the week attending by 40+ players.

Medicals were quick out of the blocks and played phase after phase in our 22m. We were trusting our defence making tackle after tackle. We won a turnover and broke down field with Johnny award and Sam Busby. Their fullback made a tackle which allowed Richard Dodd to kick over the defence with the next phase. Aedan Moloney raced through and just managed to get to the ball before it went dead. Novos up 5-0

Being a derby the match was contested well all over the park. At times however we got frustrated at our lack of early possession and gave away cheap penalties. This allowed Medicals 10 to kick a couple of pens and gain territory via his boot. With the score now 6-5 we tried to relieve pressure but the kick was poorly executed. Medicals back three made a nice break and went in after some nice inter play. Medicals up 13-5

We were not playing well at this stage due to errors and a high penalty count. With instructions to simplify the game we took them on up front. A series of pick n drives led to a penalty which was quickly taken. Tommy Goodman was on hand to crash over on 37 mins. Medicals up 13-10.

With only one min to the break we coughed up the ball and then gave away another penalty. Kicked again for a half time score of 1306-10 to Medicals.

Our chat was positive at half time as we weren't playing well but we're still in the game. We had a lot more to offer regarding taking them on up front and raising the tempo of the game.

Shortly after the restart we looked somewhere near our best as the forwards hammered away up front. Pressure turned into a penalty, quick tap and Jack Spoor crashed over. Conversion added by Dodd to put us back into the lead 17-16.

Richard Dodd was marshalling his troops well and we controlled territory. From another quickly taken penalty we drove into them. Their defence tightened and we then move the ball to Moloney an unconverted try. Up 22-16.

We were now well on top of Medicals and more high tempo rugby saw Moloney go in again to complete his hat trick. Dodd added the conversion for a convincing 29-16 lead.

Medicals however showed what the Derby means to them and responded in the back of some whistles in their favour. They scored a try in the 73rd min and kicked a penalty to make it 29-24 with three mins to play. We have done a load of work on this scenario and after a line out to Chris Ward we were able to keep possession and see the game out. Win for Novos 29-24 as we maintain our early season momentum.

Thanks to Medicals for agreeing an early kick off and to the Scottish exchange ref for taking charge.

Another win under our belts thanks to some of our boys fronting up to play, including Iain Dodds stepping up to prop and Jobi playing on a peg leg. I thought Jack Spoor and Ben Merrett were awesome in the loose. However, Man of Match went to Aedan Moloney fir his hat trick and all round defensive game.

This week it's all hands on deck as we put out 4 sides again. So get to training and make yourself available ! First team at home to Ponteland, looking for cup final revenge.