Novos 25, Rovers 29 - Error Ridden Loss

Novos started this match well, getting on top early via two Shaun Stewart penalties. However, things started to wrong as Josh Stacey ruptured his Achilles at the first scrum, ruling him out for the rest of the season. We then made a lot of mistakes and on one occasion Rovers turned over our lineout which led to a try. Novos still up 6-5.
Despite the loss of Stacey the scrum was pushing Rovers off their own ball. After one huge scrum James Bass was able to dive in for a try converted by Stewart to make it 13-5.
Rovers were carrying the ball well and causing us problems as we fell off tackles. They went over for a well worked try to make it 13-12 to Novos at half time.
We bounced straight back though on the back of another big scrum. This time it was Joe Ball who was able to steal the loose ball and go in. However, mistakes prevented us from moving further ahead.
The match swung Rovers way in the 60th minute when Sam Rowntree was given a yellow card for an illegal hit. Whilst he was off the field Rovers scored two tries to stretch it out to 29-18.The game was gone with just mins to go but we ensured we got something from the game via a try from Ben Wollerton, converted by Rory Duncan.
Congrats to Rovers, thoroughly deserved their win. Cheers to the ref in what was a decent display from him.
To our lads, we need to keep battling. We still have three difficult fixtures before the end of October with a weakened squad due too injuries. However, we are still putting out 3-4 sides per week so its not all doom and gloom, Let's stick together and ensure we pick up as many points as we can in trying circumstances.
We wish Jobi well in his recovery. An awful injury and a long road back - sure to be doing a great impression of the Marshmallow Man by his return !