Novos 8 - Ryton 8, two points gained ?

Squad news - a few changes as we continue to give our youngsters time to develop as well as reward our second team players who are showing signs of good form. Up from the two's came Joe Ball, Alex Caldwell and Greg Humphreyson based on their recent form. We also continued the education of youngsters Jonno Wilkes and Angus Duncan out wide.

They game started well as some strong carries from Josh Stacey got us across the gain line with ease. However, we were unable to capitalize on line breaks in the first half and went 3-0 down. Things got worse as an error riddled first half drew to a close with a Ryton try and a heavy penalty count. We infringed at breakdowns and were lucky to escape yellow cards for some high tackles.

We did kick a penalty by Wilkes to make it 8-3 at half time. We spoke about trying to pick the tempo up and increase our accuracy.

Unfortunately, the second half was a mirror image of the first as we made breaks but couldn't finish. Luckily, Ryton were equally wasteful as they missed two kicks from in front of the posts !

After a kick down field from Richard Dodd we chased well and were able to turn the ball over. After a series of drives for the line Ben Merrett was able to reach for the line and dot down. Novos 8 Ryton 8.

This is how the game ended and it was not much of a spectacle for the supporters in attendance. However, there were positives as we were able to draw a game we should probably have lost. Whilst we were not playing well we still defended well enough to limit Ryton to only eight points. In addition, Alex Caldwell made a fine debut at scrum half and Greg Humphreyson likewise in a 25-30 min cameo at ten. I am sure we will play much better than this over the coming weeks but it really was two points gained as Ryton probably deserved to win.

Thanks to Richard Gates for taking charge of the game. I think we were fortunate to get through the game with fifteen men at times. We wish him well in his final few games of the season.

Our leads have a massive challenge this week against second place Boro in a re-arranged fixture. Availability looks good despite it due to be a free Saturday. We will have to play much better if we are to compete against second placed Boro. However, we only lost to them by a score early in the season and could easily have won it in the last five mins. I am sure it will be an entertaining watch this time round.

See you all at training as it is a massive week for the club. Our 2/3/4's are all in cup action as well as our game against high flying Boro.

Cup Final News - Easter Saturday at Northern, 1500 kick off. Novos vs Ponteland.