Novos 22, Barney 45 - Last Tries The Winner ?

Squad news - Dearden, Dias, Steinberg, Arbuckle, Wallace, Rowntree, Murphy, Littlefair, Sowter, Dodd, Duncan R, Nash, Busby, Bass, Wollerton, Faulkner, Bambrick, Stewart.

We started the game poorly and Barnard Castle showed why they are top of the table as they raced into the lead. Barney went 7-0 up after some poor tackling down our left flank. We responded well with some powerful surges by Sam Rowntree and Nick Arbuckle. However, we coughed up possession when it looked like we could score and off went Barney to score a 90m try against the run of play.

This try and the fact that Barney were a good side made the next 20 mins somewhat one sided. We tried to put them under pressure but they off loaded their way out of things. When the watch went past the 30 min mark Barney had made it to 31-0 from two soft tries and three very good ones. I enjoyed watching them in the opening exchanges as they scored some clever tries and had some good players on display.

It wasn't all one way traffic though as the set piece battle was very competitive, Richard Dodd was controlling field position well and our forwards were getting across the gain line, providing space for our backs. The last ten mins of the half was all ours as we moved up the field before the ball was thrown out to Sam Busby. Sam had a 2 on 1 with the fullback but must have heard James Bass say go for it as he rounded the fullback for a fine try. Half time 31-5 to Barney.

We spoke about how well we had done in the last ten mins and challenged ourselves to see how long we could stretch that period of pressure out for.

As the second half started, we again were on top as Barney made mistakes that they did not make in the first half. After a period of sustained pressure in Barney's 22, Jez Nash crashed over to make it 31-10. Barney were starting to feel the pressure when we went in again via James Bass, conversion added by Rory Duncan. Barney up 31-17.

We were back in the match but Barney simply got on top again having awoke from their slumber. They scored two tries to kill of any Novos uprising. 45-17 with ten mins to go.

Knowing that we still needed one more try for a bonus point, Dodd continued to carve up metres with his boot. We turned the ball over in Barney's half before Arbuckle tore down the side line. He then off loaded to Dodd for the telling try to give Novos a much needed bonus point out of the game.

Fulltime - Barnard Castle 45, Novos 22.

A great game of Level 7 rugby with both sides wanting to run the ball. Barnard Castle were excellent at times and showed why they are top of the table. They scored some fine tries and were not seen to "whoop or holla" as recent bad press had suggested. They came across as a great set of lads, playing the game in the right spirit. Hospitality was first class after the game as well.

Cheers to the ref - my old mate Gareth Foreman. Beautifully reffed game of rugby although the attitude of both sets of players must have made it easy for him. Really enjoyed watching him as his decision making was spot on and he had a great manner with the players. I am sure we wont see him at this level for long.

To our lads, you did everything asked of you. Superb team effort to not throw in the towel at 31-0, very proud of the spirit you showed. Some great individual performances - Ollie Dearden who jumped from the 3's to the 1's and played really well, Tom Dias' set piece work was on form, Nick Arbuckle (man of match) and Sam Rowntree nmade huge yardage carrying, Alex Littlefair had a great all round game, Paddy Sowter looked sharp and created time and space for Richard Dodd who put in some telling kicks. Out wide Jez Nash and Sam Busby continue to show they are as good as any centre pairing in the league. Loads of positives ! Thank you to the boys who came into the squad late and played a big part in the game.

More positives in sight as Martin Fearon, Tommy Goodman completed training this week. Whilst Josh Igoe and Luke Menzfeld are undergoing the first steps back into training.

Next week we have a huge League and National Cup double header against Gateshead.