Novos 45, Nth Shields 0 - Novos Go Back To Back

Nth Shields arrived in the relegation zone and have recently released their coaches in an effort to turn things around. As they ran out it was clear to see that there was a huge discrepancy in weight. Novos had selected their lightest pack to experiment if they could cope with the likes of North Shields and Horden being our next two fixtures.

We lost the toss and were asked to play into near gale force wind. Our opponents started strong as you'd expect given their predicament. The boys worked tirelessly as North Shields attacked our 22m. The lads tackled well with some big hits from Andy Hall and relentless pressure at the breakdown coming from George Bambrick, Sean Ramsay and Josh McFarland. North Shields had the stronger scrum but their line out was really struggling with Darren Kelly causing them real problems.

Having battled into their half we forced a wayward kick which was fielded by Ben Wollerton. He only had a few metres of space but that was enough for him to dance down the sideline. Wollerton evaded 2-3 defenders before scoring out wide to give us a 5-0 lead.

Our forwards were hammering them around the back as Darren Kelly and Sean Ramsay punched some holes - Jack Hearn alongside Sam Busby were benefitting from being on the front foot. Novos line out was executing well with Daniel Shuttleworth able to throw to space on most occasions. We drove towards the North Shields but were kept out by some spirited defence. As we moved towards the posts the defence shortened and Darren Kelly moved the ball to Dylan Murphy on the blind side wing. Murphy crashed over in the corner to stretch the score out to 10-0.

Despite the wind at their backs North Shields were unable to pressure our line and we ended the first half in their 22m. They gave away some cynical penalties as we took some quick taps and picked and carried around the fringes. Lewis Chater kicked a penalty to within ten metres of the try line and we drove the line out over. Ross Radford came up with the ball and a smile, scoring his first try for the club since joining us from Gateshead. Half time score 17-0.

The second half started with three changes as the subs all entered the game. Connor Taylor went onto the wing for Dylan Murphy and we added the scrummage ability of the big lads - Luke Menzfeld and Josh Stacey. We immediately started winning the scrum battle as they weight balance out against our heavier opponents.

Our U13's were watching from the balcony and took great delight in seeing Josh Stacey bouncing players off before off loading to Sam Busby to race in from 50 metres. Busby has recently returned from Australia and bagged himself a signature score as he headed to the corner flag to put the ball down to make the kick harder for Lewis Chater. However, Chater foiled his plans adding the conversion from the sideline to make it 24-0.

With the wind coming out of the North Shields sails we went all out attack, lifting the tempo and playing some pretty good rugby. Pete Twentyman scored our next try after the forwards hammered away at the North Shields try line. Conversion again added by Lewis Chater to effectively end the contest at 31-0.

Our opponents started to lose their discipline and the game got a bit fractious at the end. Sam Busby took a quick tap from a penalty and put Ben Wollerton in the corner. Alik - John Willis put two pints on Chater not kicking the sideline. As we know the Chater's come to life when their is drink on the line. Conversion added with Novos up 38-0.

From the kick off Sam Busby broke down field before off loading to Connor Taylor for the winger to finish again, right in the same corner. Double or quits called by Mr Willis only for Lewis Chater to kick the two points and earn four pints ! Really disappointed to see three of the Nth Shields lads not go behind their posts. One of my pet hates !

The game ended with some more poor rugby from the visitors. Andy Hall leapt to take the kick off and was taken out in the air. With disregard for the injury caused the Nth Shields player simply walked off the pitch. The referee called him back and a red card was produced - I feel the ref would've yellowed him had he showed some remorse. However, with a display of poor sportsmanship perhaps the red was deserved.

We kicked the ball out for a 45-0 win.

We wish Nth Shields all the best for the rest of the season and hope that you turn things around. It has been pleasing to see how many players you have been putting out most Saturdays. Hopefully, this depth will filter through and change your fortunes on the pitch.

Thank you to Richard Gates for taking charge of the match. Thought you had an excellent afternoon and looked a lot more confident with your decision making than last time I saw you. Well done.

Our lads, some great defence - to nil any side in our league is a great effort and something to build on heading into Horden this Saturday. Pretty good team performance. Great to see Pete Twentman back after a bad facial injury sustained at Rockcliff, Sam Busby in a Novos shirt for the first time this season along with Ben Forbes. The pack were excellent around the park with Darren Kelly, Sean Ramsay and Josh McFarland standing out. In the backs Sam Busby and Jack Hearn looked a great midfield combination and the back three finished well.

Man of the Match - Ben Wollerton
Richard of the Day - Jack Hearn - awarded by Mr Hudson, Jack's ex teacher from Dame Allans School. Great to see the two of them in the bar afterwards sharing some old stories.

Next week Horden - a lot of unavailability in the backs due to six nations attendances. However, opportunities for other boys to step up and take their shirts ! See you all Tuesday to practice some high tempo rugby before Saturday.

Up the Vos !