Novos Take Stock Before Derby Day Clash

A strong squad ran out onto Sutherland Park after a good week of prep. This included a video analysis session on Monday followed by a 56 man session on Thursday ! So no surprise that we hit the ground running playing a high tempo from the first min. Every whistle was met by a quick tap, every tackle into touch saw our players show a desire to retrieve the ball quickly.

Novos have been starting most home matches with early dominance. We edged the first few scrums with Tommy Goodman, Mike Stowe and Pete Twentyman leading from the front. Four mins in we were awarded a penalty in our own half but showed a desire to tap and go. A few passes and we were around them as Aedan Moloney sped in for his first try of the day, conversion added by Johnny Ward.

Stockton who have always been a difficult opponent were struggling with the pace of the game. In addition, our structure was excellent as Rich Harrison and Cillian O'Shaughnessy called the shots. The forwards were getting across the gain line shortening the Stockton defence. Then the ball was moved wide to Jez Nash and Johnny Ward. A perfectly executed "crowbar" saw Ward release Sam Busby. No chance for the cover defence as Busby dotted down to push the score out to 12-0 in 15 mins.

Our first quarter was exceptional and whilst the tempo was high Stockton were struggling. Harrison again put us deep into Stocktons territory where we forced an error. From the midfield scrum we executed a perfect back row move which saw O'Shaughnessy throw a great miss pass to put Moloney in untouched. Novos up 17-0 with 20 mins on the clock.

Stockton are coached by two good friends and their side was never going to just rollover. The last part of the half belonged to them as they upped the physicality in their performance. In addition, we lost Goodman to a bad calf injury, Josh Stacey taking his place. The visitors made the odd break and start to benefit from slowing the game down. Harrison was yellow carded for what looked like a pretty safe tackle which was deemed high. Stockton kicked a penalty to make the half time score 17-3 and a man up for the start of the second half.

Sam Busby was sacrificed so we could put Angus Duncan on at ten and Josh Igoe entered the fray.

Stockton made good use of the man advantage and continued to get the benefit of the whistle. A fine line out drive saw them narrow the gap to 17-10.

Back to a full compliment of players in the second half we again took control of the match. Our set piece was dominant throughout and we were again getting plenty of ball. With 60 mins on the clock we were battering the Stockton line and won 5-6 pens on their line but they were not really punished for their indiscretions. That was until Twentyman crashed over after a period of pick n drives near the line. Novos up 22-10.

What looked to be a great day was somewhat tarnished with the injury to Cillian O'Shaughnessy on 61 mins. He looks to have broken his ankle and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The game was very competitive and physical throughout but the contest was finally ended on 70 mins when Moloney was put in for his hat trick after some fine play by Ben Merrett. Stockton did manage their second score to make the final score 27-15. Our first win over them since I took over the coaching at the club.

Thanks to Brian Callander for donning the refs shirt. A tough game to ref as the breakdown was an incredibly fierce contest and both sets of players infringed from time to time.

To the Novos lads, what a great day. A good win against a big club that have always got the better of us in the past. Great to see the 2s and 3s record massive victories over rivals as well. Favourite moment of the day was when all 3 home sides scored within a minute of each other !

The big games keep on coming however as we have the Ringtons Cup this Saturday. It will be a great game as Gosforth are in fine form at the moment. So get to training on Monday and Thursday and get your name somewhere within our four sides.

Can't wait.