Novos 19, Gateshead 0 - Forwards Earn Vos Win

There was no chance of us calling this game off on a weekend that saw over 100 senior men's players put on the Novocastrians jersey ! Much of the credit must go to the club who invested in improving the drainage several years ago. In addition, our voluntary ground staff who worked through the week to ensure we could play. The players are much indebted to you for ensuring they could play a game they love on Saturday.

We had a good squad out with some tactical tweaking as we went for mobility early doors with the big lads (Josh Stacey and Luke Menzfeld) to come off the bench when they pitch deteriorated. It worked a treat as Novos forwards won the early exchanges and we dominated field position and possession. On the back of this platform Sam Devey at ten and Jez Nash in the centres were able to make some line breaks but we couldn't turn them into points.

We seemed more organised at lineout time than our opponents and we finally drove a rolling maul in. Daniel Shuttleworth with the accurate throw then he latched on to the back of the maul to eventually flop over the line. Novos ahead 5-0.

The lads had spoken all week about wanting to improve upon their start last week which lacked energy and emotion. The pack were excellent in leading the way with some great carrying and a few tip passes into space. Jez Nash was enjoying the forward momentum and again broke through the middle. We recycled the ball as Christian Selkirk made it back to back line breaks but we were stopped by a very cynical offside. Gateshead were lucky to not lose the offender but we punished them on the scoreboard as we kicked to the corner. The resulting maul was well defended but after several pick n go's Andy Hall dived over. Conversion added by Shaun Stewart for a 12-0 lead.

Gateshead were still to gain any momentum in the game as Shaun Stewart was regathering kick offs and the pack in a dominant mood. Our opponents best moments came in defence as their loosehead put in a couple of decent shots in the first 20 mins.

Christian Selkirk, playing against his former club scored our third try. Another flop over the line caused by our pack hammering away at the Gateshead try line, creating some space around the fringes of the ruck. Conversion added by Shaun Stewart to make the score 19-0.

Gateshead finally started to have some attacking moments to close out the half as we handed them the initiative, giving away too many penalties. Our opponents dominated field position in the closing stages of the first half and possibly had a try disallowed. A nice grubber through our defensive line caught us out as their winger and Shaun Stewart dived for the ball. The ref awarded a 22m and we were able to keep them out till the half time whistle sounded.

Big lads on and Pat Smith entered the fray for his debut. Luke Menzfeld and Josh Stacey dominated the scrum battle on a now heavy pitch. Round the park Andy Hall was having his best game in a Novos shirt as he clattered into tackles, driving the Gateshead boys back with some huge hits.

We searched for the fourth try but were held out by some good defence and the bounce of the ball at times. We thought Shaun Stewart had nabbed it late on but once again a 22m was given with the Gateshead linesman adamant we had scored. The second half was played out in near quagmire conditions with no score added and the game finished 19-0 to Novos.

Man of the Match - Andy Hall
Richard of the Day - Christian Selkirk

Thank you to Richard Gates for taking charge of the game - apologies for some of the behavior on the pitch with players questioning decisions. At times, I thought they were out of order and should've been dealt with severely. I think their was one yellow card for dissent but that figure should've been much higher.

Cheers to the Gateshead lads for a good contest - some decent hits by both sides in defence and a desire to try and move the ball in pretty awful conditions. It was great to see some old friends and allow Ross Radford and Christian Selkirk an opportunity to play against their former club.

Novos - huge weekend where we have really showed that we are doing everything we can to grow the game. My figures were 101 different players playing for the Vets and senior men's 1,2,3,4's. A very proud moment for me as a coach. Our first half display was excellent with the energy and emotion we had spoken about throughout the week. Some great inter play by the forwards allowing our decision makers to have front foot ball. To nil a side as attacking as Gateshead are is some effort.

Next week we travel to Barnard Castle for a difficult away trip where we have struggled in the past. Availability looks pretty good so we should go there with confidence and a desire to get back to back wins.

Up the Vos !