Novos 42, Horden 28 - Momentum Gathering

Match prep was really good with loads of the lads from the 2's helping us to ready ourselves for battle. We started exactly as we had wanted with real balance between going forward and trying to get round a heavier Horden side. We scored off the kick off after keeping possession for 90 seconds. Josh Stacey bust a hole in the defensive line and off loaded to Jez Nash, inside to Tom Cox before Lewis Chater off loaded to Kit Sorenson - another great off load to allow Pete Twentyman to run it in from 20 out. A great team try for a 5-0 lead.

Shaun Stewart claimed the kick off - something he would go on to do all day long - and we went down field again. We were able to apply several minutes of pressure in Horden's 22. Darren Kelly and Tom Cox were finding some holes with the tip pass whilst looking to carry. Rewind called and the ball was fed back to Josh Stacey. Huge mismatch as Stacey cartwheeled the defender before offloading, one extra pass and Ben Wollerton dived over in the corner. Novos up 10-0 and in control.

Despite our early dominance of the match Horden were still having their moments with their 8/9/10 and 13 looking dangerous and their pack pushing us back in the scrums. Whilst in our 22m Rich Harrison put in great chip kick for Eoghan Phillips to gather and carry out an audacious off load. Horden scrambled well and recovered for a moment before Jez Nash through a wide pass for Phillips to gather and score out wide in the tackle of a defender. Novos 15-0 ahead now and in looking strong.

Whilst we struggled at times our forwards were excelling and creating space for our backs. Our final try of the half was a cracker - 5 metre scrum from our line and we carried via Jez Nash, ball then moved out to the wide channel. Shaun Stewart and Rich Harrison connected to pick off a hole near the ruck, pass to Darren Kelly then a great off load to Tom Cox. Just when it looked like Horden had got back to recover Shaun Stewart had arrived as support to get the ball and run in. Conversion added by Stewart for a 22-0 score line.

Horden finished the half well and scored a well worked try moments before the half ended, well stuck conversion making it 22-7 at half time. Some concerns as the score line flattered Horden as we bombed a couple of certain tries. Should've been 35 points at half time and perhaps the fixture would've been over.

We did not want to take our foot of the gas and kicked an early second half penalty from Shaun Stewart. However, Horden appeared to be getting on a rollin the back of a strong scrum and a lot of penalties conceded by us at the breakdown. They scored another converted try to bring them back into the match at 25-14.

From the kick off Tom Cox won the ball right on the ten metre line. Josh Stacey powered through for another line break. The ball was then shifted to Eoghan Phillips who off loaded back infield rather than die with the ball. Darren Kelly was up in support and for about the third time he was tackled just short of the line. Pete Twentyman was on hand to snap the ball up and crash over to make it 30-14.

The Sutherland Park faithful were then treated to a great solo effort from Ben Wollerton. A wayward Horden pass was scooped up by Wollerton and he bust a two man tackle before stepping the cover and racing in for a 70 metre try. 37-14 and time for Novos to pull away in the last twenty.

Nope, Horden got some momentum as Darren Kelly Was yellow carded for another infringement at the break down and we lost Lewis Chater to injury. To compound matters we then couldn't cope with Horden's weight in the scrum now we were a man down. The ref brandished a yellow card as our scrum was unable to stay square a couple of times - Pete Twentyman somewhat bemused by it all but he was made the scapegoat and jogged off for a ten minute rest. So we were down to 13 and under the cosh all of a sudden.

Horden played some decent rugby with the numerical advantage scoring twice whilst we were short handed. The score had got to 37-28 before we got our full complement of players back. We finished on top again once back to 15 with a try from George Bambrick to make the final score 42-28.

Thank you to Horden - very impressed by your 8, delighted to see David Heckles back at Horden and when you guys got on a roll you were unstoppable at times in the second half. We wish you well until we see you again - a tough couple of weeks ahead of you but your forward back are capable of denying Boro and Stockton possession so perhaps an upset win or two is possible.

Cheers to Ricky Handa - nice to see high tackles getting punished and Horden getting reward for their scrum dominance. Although, I feel at times we have not reaped the same reward when on top in other fixtures. Thought the lads did not learn from your reffing of the breakdown and it allowed Horden back into the game on the back of the two yellow cards. We need to be smarter with our decision making in this area in our next two fixtures.

Novos boys - two 5 point wins on the bounce. Need to gather even more momentum at training this week as Medicals are in a good space at the moment. However, so are we - thought the pack around the pack were excellent with every man playing a part. Some huge carries by Josh Stacey, and clever work from Pete Twentyman, Darren Kelly and Tom Cox. In addition, Daniel Shuttleworth hit his men all day long in the line out and Kit Sorenson but in a huge shift.

Out wide Lewis Chater and Rich Harrison marshalled the side well. Great to see Jez Nash making breaks and Isaac Robinson had one telling line break in the second half. In the three quarters Ben Wollerton was very good and Eoghan Phillips is really starting to shine and looks settled on the wing. He scored with a fine finish and almost never died with the ball, off loading on most occasions he was tackled.

Very pleased with the cameos off the bench from Tom Dias, George Bambrick and Sam Devey. Some tough decisions to make this week heading into Medicals.

Man of the Match - Tom Cox
Richard of the Day - Darren Kelly

Up the Vos !