Novos do a soixante-neuf!

After last weeks poor showing against Bishop Auckland, Novos needed to be much more focussed on the job of facing Seaham, thankfully they were. Against a side promoted from Division 3 last season and recorded a good opening win over Hartlepool any repeat of last weeks complacency could not be allowed to happen.

The squad was robbed of Big Gav Evans and speedster Jamie Diggle through injury and a few others but with the luxury of 4 teams were fortunate to have plenty of cover available, something Seaham as a one team club can not rely on. Seaham had some issues with unavailability and injuries and last minute cry offs meaning they travelled with only 14 players, the 15th arriving as the game kicked off. First of all, hats off to Seaham for making the journey… Some sides would have cried off in similar circumstances.

In tropically sunny conditions and sweltering heat, the game kicked off with Novos immediately in the ascendancy, strong early running from Ben Merrett and Alex Littlefair, was making inroads into Seaham territory and Andy Maxwell was able to release a steady stream of quick ball to the back line. After a period of early pressure Seaham strayed offside to give Dan Bollado an early opportunity to take 3 points and open his scoring account for the day!

Novos didn’t have to wait long for the opening try, neat play from Maxwell again created space and centres Shaun Stewart and Dan Bollado were combined to break into the Seaham 22, having been stopped just short presented an opportunity for Ben Merrett to nip over from 5 yards for a try which Bollado converted for 10 - 0.

The second score was another strong break on 15 minutes from Dan Bollado, a good tackle from the Seaham full back was enough to stop him but he provided a superb offload to send Pete Twentyman in under the posts for another converted try, 17 - 0.

Seaham fought back and strong running from their forwards, in particular their big 2nd row got them into Novos territory but defensively Novos were well organised and determined and Seaham could not break through.

Novos were turning the ball over in contact really well and Ben Walker stole in on a big hit from Luke Mitchell to return possession to Novos, Bollado sending a huge clearing kick which was carried into touch by the Seaham number 15. from the lineout Maxwell set the backs away, Shaun Stewart broke and found Steve Neill with an off load and the Irishman expertly drew his man to release James Bass away to score which Bollado converted, 24 - 0. Shaun was injured in the move and replaced by Sam Burnside.

The Bonus point was wrapped up on 30 minutes when a massive Lawrence Goodman break and offload found Jamie Wallace and slick interplay and passing sent Steve Neill in under the posts for a try on his home debut which Bollado converted, 31- 0

As the half played out Jim Higginson played his dastardly doctor card, interfering with a ruck inappropriately earning him a ten minute break and an introduction of veteran prop Dave Addison. Seaham pressurised and as Seaham pressed Novos defence held firm and the half ended 31-0 to Novos.

The second half got underway and Novos were again made to defend with Seaham proving to be game opponents and prepared to give it a go despite the scoreline, Again Novos defence was not to be breached and Dan Bollado took matters into his own hands by picking up a pass from Mitchell and bursting through 4 tackles to score a superb individual effort and convert it for 38 – 0. Addison made way to a shoulder injury and Higginson and Burbridge returned to the action.

Ben Merrett got his second try of the day on 60 minutes again the Novos ability to offload in contact and break the gain line against a tiring Seaham proving pivotal, Bollado missed the conversion for 43 – 0. Talented youngster Chris Ward replaced Liam Pape to make his 1st XV debut.

This was the start of Novos best spell and a flowing move brought up the 50 points with a searing break from Maxwell setting up play in Seaham’s half a quick move back across saw Lawrence Goodman hitting a superb line to score under the posts.

From the restart Novos regained the ball and a break wide from Chris Ward created space and Skipper Jamie Wallace was again on hand to find James Bass who rounded the full back for 57 – 0 thanks to another Bollado 2 pointer.

Novos registered another score through Ben Walker who benefitted from great play by Pete Twentyman

The rout was completed when Andrew Maxwell jinked over after an impressive performance from the diminutive scrum half.

Seaham never gave up and were rightly rewarded for a brave performance when none other than Jonny Martin, the ex Novos prop was on hand to score late on for Seaham which was fully deserved.

This was a strong performance from Novos who dominated the opposition in all key areas of the game, The scrum was solid and caused problems for the Seaham pack all day, the lineout was perfect and discipline around the rucks and mauls was excellent all throughout the game. Novos used the possession well and scored tries when opportunities were available. Seaham worked very hard all day and Novos had to defend very well to prevent them from scoring more than the solitary try they did.

I was impressed with Seaham, they had a great attitude and at times caused us a lot more problems than the scoreline suggests, They will do well in this league and though they left Sutherland Park with no points, they definitely earned our respect and I hope they can pull in enough players to help them take a full 18 to all of their games where I have no doubt they will win more games than they lose, undoubtedly their attitude and discipline will definitely see them home in the closer games.

For Novos this was a much improved showing and many put their foot forward for Man of the Match, Skipper Jamie Wallace was superhuman and always seemed to be on hand for an offload, Sam Burnside with a 50 minute supershow when replacing Shaun Stewart but it goes to Dan Bollado who had his best game in a Novos shirt, combining strong running with great offloading and also contributing 22 points.