Novos were really fired up for this encounter, those behind the scenes will know why but needless to say sometimes all of the motivation you need can be provided by the opposition! Gosforth travelled to Sutherland Park hoping not to suffer from ‘over confidence’ against a team currently bottom of Division One.

The game started in the worst possible way for Novos, from kick off, possession was gifted to Gosforth who ran the ball through their back line to score in the corner in the first three minutes of play, the conversion was missed. This seemed to spark Novos into life and the chase from kick off was a good one and Novos won back possession, a series of drives from the forwards set up play in the Gosforth 22 and with a huge overlap Novos looked certain to score through Ben Adcock but the pass didn’t go to hand with the line at his mercy. Gosforth were able to clear but a heavy wind against meant it didn’t go far Novos won the lineout and again some strong running created space and allowed James Bass to move the ball quickly wide and Rory Diggle provided the finish to draw Novos level, Novos also missed the conversion.

In those early exchanges sub Matty Bradford was called into action twice as a blood replacement with both Sam Burnside and Dan Bollado having to leave the field for treatment for minor blood issues. More seriously Number 8 Will Trick was forced off with a nasty looking knee injury after 20 minutes which paved the way for a return to action for Alex Littlefair, who slotted in at Number 8. Novos continued to offer lots of pressure and Shaun Stewart was denied what looked a good try for a double movement, but Novos were able to edge ahead thanks to a penalty from Dan Bollado, the score created after a super human chase and tackle by Ben Walker, revelling in the freedom of the back row to hunt down the Gosforth full back who had no option but to cling on to the ball for dear life and give away the three points. Despite further Novos pressure, it was Gosforth who took the lead, this time scoring in the opposite corner, the windy conditions made the conversion impossible and Gosforth headed into the break leading by a narrow 8 – 10 score line.

Coach Rob Jones called for calm and steady heads during the half time huddle, This game was in Novos hands if they continued the hard work and commitment we would get what we deserved.

The 2nd 40 minutes was simply a super game to watch with both sides determined to win, Novos started brighter and were hammering the Gosforth line with runs from Littlefair, Bollado and James Bass being thwarted close to the line. One such break from Bollado looked to have regained the lead for Novos but the referee adjudged the ball was held up over the line. From the scrum Novos switched off and allowed Gosforth to drive them off and win the ball against the head and clear, this led to lots of whooping and cheering and squaring up to Novos forwards from within the Gosforth ranks – This is a disappointing element of Gosforth’s game which has been evident more and more in recent years, I hope they can address it and get back to playing rugby and removing this footballer type behaviour.

From the lineout Tom Aylott collected good ball and another break from Dan Bollado created issues for Gosforth’s defence and again the forwards were superbly patient in setting up the ball and recycling perfectly, James Bass who was excelling in the 9 jersey dummied from a ruck and held a brilliantly delayed pass to Ben Walker who smashed through a gap to give Novos a score and regain the lead at 15 – 10 with Bollado’s conversion on top.

Gosforth roared back into the game and camped in Novos 22, Skipper Wallace leading the defencive charge as wave on wave of Green and white attack was repelled. Forcing Novos to concede penalties and finally the referee lost patience and issued a yellow card to Shaun Stewart. Novos continued to defend heroically despite being reduced to 14 men until finally Gosforth broke through and exploited the extra space to score and convert to give them the lead.

With 20 minutes to go the coaching team wrestled with whether to introduce the talented but inexperienced American Football convert Rob Campbell into the action. Matty Bradford brought sense into it by saying ‘look at the size of him man – get him on!’ With little to lose Tom Aylott, who had enjoyed a solid debut, made way for ‘The Beast’. Gosforth still attacked and Novos defended well and were frustrating their opponents, turning over the ball and patiently advancing upfield with forward drives.... and then it happened..... Bass again delivered a delayed pass from a ruck and found who else but Rob Campbell, first using his size to burst through two Gosforth tacklers and then shocking the away side with a mammoth burst of speed to fly past their winger before rounding the full back like a seasoned professional to score a simply sensational try! It was quite a welcome boost but their were jitters as Campbell advanced to the ‘end zone’ that he might do an American football style spike, thankfully he dotted down to be the hero of the hour and put Novos back in front, the conversion was important as it meant Gosforth could not draw the game with a penalty and had to score a try.

What followed was a nervy final 5 minutes as Novos defended wave after wave of Gosforth attack until finally their centre dropped it and Novos were able to recover and clear to take a brilliant win and move on to 15 points, the three sides directly above Novos must make the trip to Sutherland Park... The great escape is very much on especially if we can get the focus and commitment displayed in this game.

At times this season to be fair Novos have been in disarray, prone to panicking when in possession and to losing shape in defence – No one can question the work ethic and effort but at times a young side has been exposed as talented but raw in this league. Well on Saturday they grew up in some style, playing a patient game and striking when the opportunity was on without forcing the play and to do so against a side who have beaten the top sides in this league recently shows a lot in terms of our chances of escaping from relegation.

To a man, Novos were outstanding on Saturday, James Forbes, Gus Graham and Pete Twentyman were brave in the front row standing up well to the heavier Gosforth Scrum and offered plenty around the park. The 2nd rows worked hard all afternoon, Tom Aylott enjoyed a solid debut and adds a new dimension to the squad, Ed Yuill played with aggression and passion (and tourettes apparently!) and the back row were titanic, making light of missing Ben Merrett, skipper Jamie Wallace and Alex Littlefair were giants around the park and in defence, Will Trick too before his injury played a full part in Novos early good play. Ben Walker, though was the best of the bunch with a great display, he seemed to pop up everywhere and fully deserved his Man of the match award and of course Rob Campbell stepped forward as the hero of the hour with ‘that’ try!

In the back James Bass was controlled and showed flashes of brilliance at scrum half while Dan Bollado had his best game for Novos, mixing a running game with control and the occasional attempt at something ‘different’ which is exactly the game we want him to play. In the middle Sam Burnside was calm and assured while Shaun Stewart was unlucky not to register a score. Rory Diggle and Ben Adock showed plenty of pace out wide and full back Graeme Jardine was solid as a rock. Everyone played their part.

The win was not without a heavy cost, Number 8 Will Trick suffrered a dislocation to his knee, It will probably end his first season with Novos prematurely. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can get across to the club as much as possible while he is injured.

Novos now need to step up again with Stockton visitors next week and those MASSIVE home games with Ponteland, Ryton and Ashington on the very near horizon.