Novos Prove Pont

After a great week of prep addressing our penalty count, kick off receipts and trust in our defence, we went into this game full of confidence. The squad looked strong despite the unavailability of skipper Alex Littlefair, Alex Westgarth, Cillian O'Shaughnessy, Richard Dodd and Aedan Moloney.

Some strange pre match discussions with the ref about our tactics defensively at the line out. Found it interesting that our opposition were worried about us and not focused on themselves.

Novos had a strong pack out but it was the back three that got us on the board first. Ponteland put in a poor kick into midfield two mins in and Carl Parkinson made a great break. Support was on hand in the form of Johnny Ward. Novos up 5-0.

The forwards were having a field day as Ponteland tackled very high in the early exchanges. Iain Dodds, Josh Igoe and Jack Spoor were prominent in getting us over the gain line. With 9 mins on the clock our front row came into play, destroying Pontelands scrum. Tommy Goodman, Pete Twentyman and Luke Menzfeld enjoying marching the opposition scrum back. From the resulting tighthead Jack Spoor crashed over. 10-0 in 9 mins.

Ponteland were probably caught cold and we never let them recover. After 12 mins we scored a fantastic team try on the back of strong carrying fine back play. Ben Forbes taking his opportunity playing for the first team dotted down for a great score, converted by Ward for a 17-0 lead.

Surely, Ponteland would respond ? Nope, Novos were in again after breaks by Josh Igoe and Johnny Ward led to Sam Busby racing in. 22-0 after just 17 mins

Novos complete performance continued as we dominated ever facet of play. Johnny Ward was in again, converting his own try to put us out to 29-0 in 27 mins.

We were playing at a real high tempo which Ponteland could play at. Andrew Maxwell was tapping and going at each discretion. From once such quick tap Pete Twentyman was able to crash over. Ref blows the whistle, 34-0, game over.

The attacks continued in the second half as we also started turn over the ball as well as having set piece dominance. From a well practised tackle turnover the ball was moved into space. Eventually, Jez Nash went over for a well deserved try given how many breaks he had made in the first half. Conversion added, 41-0.

The lads were enjoying the tempo of the match and the space they had out wide. None more so than Johnny Ward who raced in for his third try after an intercept , adding the conversion for good measure. Up 48-0.

Just to show our all round dominance the forwards then drove in a line out from 22m out. A great achievement given that Ponteland were unable to use their maul at any stage in the match. Ben Merrett was the man on the end of the maul, conversion added for 55-0.

Novos were desperate to not let Ponteland in the game at all. From another dominant scrum foundation Novos executed a perfect back row move leading to Andrew Maxwell putting in Ben Forbes for his second. Novos now ahead 60-0, still keeping pace with the watch.

Ponteland were now pretty tired going into the last quarter. We were able to find space in most places as Lewis Chater made a break. With a perfectly timed pass he drew the full back for Johhny Ward to race in for 65-0.

To Pontelands credit, with the score at 65-0 they actually had their best period of the match as we had to scramble in defence. Iain Dodds led the chat about keeping a clean sheet as we kept them out. Then we delivered a real nail in the coffin as we ran the ball from a scrum 5m from our line. The ball was shifted to our outside backs right in front of our own posts before Sam Busby raced nearly 70m to score, 70-0.

Novos never took the foot of the gas and had the last say with a try to Sam Busby after a great break by Johnny Ward. Conversion added by Ward to take his personal tally to 32 points. Final whistle sounded for a 77-0 win.

Thanks to Craig for taking charge of the game. An easy game to whistle and I can't remember him making many mistakes.

Ponteland had a lot of faces I didn't recognise. Some injuries and a few departures I think. Hopefully, they turn the corner and don't get dragged into a relegation fight after gaining promotion. We only won 4 games in our first season in this league so I know the jump can be tough early on.

Novos were excellent today in every aspect of play. We dominated the set piece, won the gain line battle which then created space for our backs. We have a tough week ahead of us with Durham City next week. They are in fine form but so are we, no reason why we can't cause an upset.

The day got even better as we heard news of the fours coming from behind to grab a draw, the thirds beating Alnwick and the 2nds winning away at Bishop Auckland. Great scenes.