NEVER MIND THE TEA, VOS BAG THE CUPS !

Squad news - back down to earth after our cup victory as illness and unavailability hit the squad. Out go Josh Stacey, Iain Dodds, Shaun Stewart, Johnno Wilkes and skipper Alex Littkefair. Into the starting line up come Josh Wright, Luke Menzfeld, Carl Parkinson and Chris Ward who wasn't allowed to cry off with tonsilitis because Shaun called in sick first. Only 2 subs on the bench so we didn't bother the 2s who were in their own cup final.

Whilst some what thrown together the lads spirit was there for all to see as we executed everything we talked about during the week. We fronted up to their big lads and didn't let them get across the gain line, which we did not do in the first game against them. We also gave their fullback no chance to run as Richard Dodd made all our kicks contestable, giving the Gosforth back three no time or space to counter.

When we had the ball we looked a real threat in the early exchanges as our ex Sunderland Uni alumni of Luke Menxfeld and Rob Murphy carried tirelessly. They were supported by Michael Stowe and Pete Twentyman hitting ruck after ruck. Once the game settled we looked on top and dominated possession and territory. After turning down a kickable penalty we kicked to within 15m of the Gosforth line. From the resulting line out we drove the heavier Gosforth pack over the line with Ben Merrett dotting the ball down for a 5-0 lead.

From the kick off we worked our way nicely up the pitch and were awarded a midfield scrum 30m out. Gosforth were expecting us to do an 8/9/15 but we attacked against the flow. We caught the three Gosforth defenders napping as Richard Dodd threw a miss pass to Jez Nash who beat some desperate cover defence to score. Conversion added by Dodd 12-0.

The kickoff was secured by Murphy and the pattern repeated for a third time as we put the ball high. Every kick was challenged in the air and resulting us to get scrum feeds instead of our opponents counter attacking. In a short space of time we were again deep in Gosforths half. We were smashing into them near their line with strong carries from Merrett, Aedan Moloney and Josh Wright. Then we moved the ball out further to Menzfeld who crashed over with a few players on his back. Conversion added by Dodd for a 19-0 half time lead.

The first half was not all one way traffic but Gosforth had dropped a lot of ball in good positions. On top of that we tackled well, none more so than Aedan Moloney who seemed to want to smash anything that come in his channel.

The second half saw us come under a lot of pressure as we tired. The boys had put in a huge effort to ensure Gosforth didn't get up early like they did in the first game. We were always going to have a lull given we had four front rowers in the pack, two lads who haven't played a lot of mins of late and one lad battling tonsilitis. Gosforth were able to take advantage of us trying to catch a breather. First they scored after a missed tackle near our line. Then they scored after we lost two set pieces in our on half. Score now 19-12, game on.

A quick scream from the coach about us perhaps not working and looking for an excuse seem' to get the lads back on track. The physio was then called into action as the coach's heart rate raced to 57 after all the yelling !

We again started to win the gain line battle with Merrett carrying a lot on the edges and Moloney and Nash out wider. After several carries on the try line Tommy Goodman crashed over. Conversion added by Lewis Chater. Novos up 26-12.

On top of the game upfront, the backs were now starting to be given space as Dodd put Sam Busby over in the corner. Then as Gosforth tried to counter Angus Duncan waltzed in from 70m after an intercept. Conversion added by Moloney. Novis up 38-12

Gosforth showed they are a spirited side to score the last try on the back of a few penalties. Final score 38-19.

Thanks to Graham Crozier for reffing the match. I am sure there were a few eyebrows raised when I allowed his request to ref the game. However, it was a no brainier as he is a great ref and I'd happily have him ref us every week no matter who the opposition are.

Cheers to Liam and his Gosforth lads for a tough two games both played in good spirits. One all was a fair result over the two legs and the future looks strong for rugby within the postcodes of our two clubs.

Very pleased within the win after the morning we had trying to put a side out without affecting the twos cup final. The boys battled throughout and came together as a side in difficult circumstances. There were huge performances up front from everyone. The backs looked dangerous all day and were fantastic in defence.

The day got even better as our 4's had won on the far field, the 3's had won away from home and the 2s started filtering back with medals around their necks and the cup in the arms of Ben Melrose ! I was delighted for them after missing out last year. No one deserves success more than Ben as he has worked so hard to ensure his lads enjoy their rugby and adhere to the clubs values. I was more nervous about his result on Saturday than my own. I am very proud of the lads success which I believe comes from their attendance at training and the environment Ben creates each Saturday. Well done boys, I do care about you a lot !.

A great 7 days to be a coach of such a great club. The season doesn't stop there though as we travel to Gateshead on Saturday. However, perhaps more importantly Ian Pratt's 3rd team look to win the club more silverware. Win, lose or draw Ian's men have had a great season and I wish them well for the final. I care deeply about you as well.

For the first team, massive week of prep before Gateshead. Horden have another tough game this week and we hope to be 8 pts ahead of them in the race for 4th with two games to go. However, Gateshead away will be a tough task as they are heavy upfront and possess a talented back line. See you all at training as we get ready to finish the last few weeks flying high as a club.