Novos 5, Consett 40 - Rugby Rollercoaster

The boys have been on a bit of a roll with four wins on the bounce and were hopeful of challenging unbeaten Consett. However, we had a bad couple of days leading into this match with players dropping out for various reasons. Opportunities for other lads to step up but it proved to be too much for the group on this occasion.

Consett started the match with possession and showed why they are top of the table - keeping the ball for long periods despite some adverse conditions. We defended pretty well in the early exchanges with one telling hit from Josh McFarland. However, Consett were relentless in possession as we gave away penalties at the breakdown.

They kicked a penalty into the corner and scored a very soft try as their centre cut back but somehow bust through 2-3 poor tackles. Conversion added for 7-0.

We were incredibly inaccurate in the first half gifting possession to Consett why did not need a helping hand. Missed line outs and a couple of handling errors stopped potential attacks. Consett broke out of their own half via a missed tackle and once in behind they finished well to stretch out to a 12-0 lead. We put the kick off out on the full as an error was often compounded by another mistake during the first 40 mins.

After 30 mins Consett went ahead further with a try off a scrum due to a misread by one of our wingers defensively allowing the Consett winger to go in untouched. Great conversion added from the corner to put the hosts ahead 19-0. We tried to use the kick off to apply pressure but Consett defended with great discipline and turned us over and we lost another line out whilst deep in Consett's 22m. After plenty of pressure Pete Twentyman was given a yellow card for our 7th penalty in the first half with 5 of that number coming at the breakdown. Down to 14 men Consett went in for a try on the stroke of half time with the score at 26-0.

Boys got a bit of a rev up at half time - a rare occurrence but we had hoped to be competitive against Consett and were anything but in the first 40 mins. On came Tom Taylor to make his debut, Josh Stacey into the front row and Tim Hart onto a wing.

Our attitude in the second half was completely different as we maintained possession and finally put Consett under some pressure. Sam Busby was unlucky not to score as we broke out from our own 22 - the bounce of the ball being unkind five metres from the line. Despite a positive start it was Consett who scored first after a couple of calls went their way - a frustration all day. We sacked a line out brilliantly but the league leaders went in after a few carries around the ruck. 33-0

Shaun Stewart put the kick off deep and we managed to turn Consett over. From a scrum near our opponents line Darren Kelly crashed over and to our dismay he was held up. However, we stayed on attack and nearly went over again as Jack Hearn put a clever kick through but it was adjudged we did not ground the ball correctly. We were now on top for the first time of the game with Consett conceding penalties under pressure. This time it was Josh Stacey's turn to crash over the line and again it was adjudged that he was held up - something that is rarely achieved and probably wasn't on this occasion either.

After 6-8 mins of constant pressure Consett were given a yellow card. We used the extra man advantage to score our only try of the day for debutant James Jones.

Final score 40-5 although we were proud that we battled back in the second half for a 14-5 scoreline during this period.

Thank you to Kevin for reffing - as a group we must adapt better to refs who set a tone at the breakdown as we didn't change our behaviour after penalties. Was great to catch up with you in the bar afterwards.

Cheers to Consett - always impressed with your hospitality on match days and your side was incredible accurate and disciplined in that first 40 mins. The contest was over by half time. I was very impressed by your 9 who was clever throughout and your 8 who made huge yards during the game. Was awesome to catch up with Dougie and Grayson after the games well as chat rugby to Trotty. Think the club is in great hands and wish you well with the challenges in the league above next season.

Novos boys - I am aware we had some late changes to the squad but as individuals we didn't meet the challenge of playing against the league leaders. Hopefully, we have learned a lot from our second half performance when we showed a bit more mongrel and made it a contest all over the park. We have two more games before the end of the season against top four opposition and I hope we show improvement on these occasions.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for the club though as we once again put four sides out - two great wins for 2nd team over Medicals and the 3rd team beating Nth Shields to ensure a cup semi final.

Man of the Match - Darren Kelly with mentions to Pete Twentyman and Sam Davey who I also thought had great games against quality opposition.

Next week we are home to Acklam with a 1500 kick off.

Up the Vos !