Novos 21, Medicals 21 - Novos Pack Cause Damage

We had an excellent week of prep this week and went into the game full of confidence despite Medicals sitting one spot above us in the table. The group new we should've beaten them earlier in the season but two soft tries cost us dearly on that occasion. Despite two great training sessions there were some bumps in the road - Pat Smith broke his ankle playing 5 a side football and then Ben Kelly cried off with a stomach bug.
In came Jonny Winterhalder at 12 and current colt, David Bowman was selected on the bench for his first team debut.

The wind was at Medicals backs in the first half however it was the kicking game of Lewis Chater at scrum half that allowed us to dominate early field position. Around the pitch Sean Ramsay was a nuisance at the break down, Darren Kelly was pulling the strings around the fringes and Andy Hall was tenacious in the tackle.

Our scrum was in a dominant mood earning a few scrum penalties and a tighthead - an all eight achievement but Luke Menzfeld caused Medicals loosehead problems all afternoon.

Surprisingly it was Medicals who scored the first try as a penalty allowed them to kick into our half. We defended well on our own line until a nice basketball style pass put their back rower through for a well deserved try. Meds up by 7 points.

We kicked off and applied pressure to Medicals kickers so they couldn't get out of their half. The boys drove into the Meds defence with carries from Luke Menzfeld and Sean Ramsay. We won a penalty but turned down a kickable penalty opting to kick to the corner. Medicals gave away a penalty at our driven maul and we went for a scrum on this occasion. The lads had a hard day last week at Horden - this week we showed that the issue was weight not ability. We drove the Medicals pack over the line and Lewis Chater dove on the ball as we crossed the try line at a rate of knots. Novos 5, Medicals 7.

Another scrum penalty allowed us back into Medicals half and we created some nice space for Sam Busby out the back. Busby skinned his man and put Connor Taylor away. He was dragged down just short of the line but we maintained pressure until Darren Kelly put Daniel Shuttleworth over in the corner. Novos up 10-7.

With just four mins till the half we were in a strong position should we hold out till half time and get the wind at our backs. However, comedy moment as we mucked up the kick off with a slip, then a stumble and Medicals ended up with a scrum 5 metres from our line. They hammered away for the next two mins and we smashed them back. Hits were flying in from Andy Hall and a very important scrambling tackle from George Bambrick turned the ball over for Darren Kelly to clear our lines. A very important moment in the game - half time Novos 10, Medicals 7.

Josh Stacey on for Luke Menzfeld who had an outstanding first 40 mins. Medicals started the second half strongly as playing into the wind made them use the ball in hand. Connor Taylor and Andy Hall put in some great hits and we won the ball back. Josh Stacey immediately got us over the gain line with his first carry of the afternoon. Once in behind Lewis Chater again kicked beautifully into the box and we turned Medicals over via a penalty. Shaun Stewart kicking the penalty to make it 13-7.

Medicals back row were everywhere in this game and kept them in the contest despite our packs dominance at the set piece. Their 7 and 8 were fantastic all afternoon and it was the 7 that scored a fine individual try to close the gap to 13-12. Louis Matthews and David Bowman into the game for Novos.

Lewis Chater was having a great performance in terms of game management - every box kick found space and allowed us to apply pressure. From an attack down the blindside George Bambrick kicked through a grubber as David Bowman tackled the Meds player on his try line. Bambrick following up his kick then got over the ball and won a vital penalty.

Once again we opted for the scrum and the pack drove Medicals over as Sean Ramsay fell on the ball for the try. Novos 18, Medicals 12 with ten mins to go.

Medicals did not go away - why would they in a local derby that means so much to both sides. They threatened the line and look destined to score as their 7 broke through the line. A last gasp tackle from George Bambrick led to the ball being spilled into Shaun Stewarts arms as he smashed the ball down field.

We ended the game with a scrum penalty which Shaun Stewart kicked from 40m out to ensure Medicals didn't get a losing bonus point. Somewhat harsh perhaps given that the 80 mins was so tightly contested. Novos win 21-12.

Thank you to Andy Reynolds and his players - it was a great game to watch despite heavy conditions. I thought you back row were outstanding and kept you in the game and then nearly won it for you. We look forward to the battle for sixth place as they season comes to a close in April.

Thanks to the ref (Benjamin Glover) who I thought was outstanding - a short brief, confident decision making and allowed for a contest at the breakdown. The complete opposite of our experience the week before and led to an enjoyable afternoon for the players. Great to chat to you after the game and I am adamant you will progress through the ranks pretty quickly.

Novos - incredible day for the club as we put four sides out, got two wins and our past players enjoyed a great afternoon organised by Graham Ward. A great team effort with huge performances up front from Luke Menzfeld, Andy Hall and George Bambrick. In the backs I thought the game management of Lewis Chater was outstanding and mature for a young player. Rest week for the lads as we try take this momentum into a difficult trip to Consett - we will be hoping to be the first to beat them this season.

Man of the Match - Sean Ramsay
Richard of the Day - Lewis Chater

Up the Vos !