Novos beat new look Ashington!

Conditions were good, Ashington looked a little smaller than normal and our warm up was excellent. All signs that we were heading for a good day against a side who are normally tough up front and weak out the back.

We took our warm up into the match and started high tempo, as instructed. Within 5 mins we had a penalty in the red zone and as Ashington looked to the sideline expecting a lineout, we went. Quick taps was the call for the day and we were rewarded with a converted try under the posts to Dan Bollado.

Ashington would not be caught napping again.

From the kick off a handling error (when we looked thru) gave Ashington a scrum in our half. They went one way then came back to find an overlap. A well worked try but one that we could have avoided if we had our heads up. 7-5.

Then a game of "to me, to you" took place. Ashington kicked a penalty, then looked to be about to score when Shaun Stewart intercepted and walked in from 50m. Ashingtons turn to score again, a try thru their backs again and then an intercept when we looked like we were in. 20-12 Ashington.

On 32 mins we scored the try of the match. Our forwards playing at pace and with structure worked the ball into Ashingtons 22m. This led to some good handling and a great line from James Parkinson saw him score a real team try. Conversion added by Dan Bollado from the touch line 20-19 Ashington.

We were piling on the pressure now and in the last 2 mins of the half Ashington lost two players to the bin as they momentarily lost their composure.

With numbers on our side Joe Stamper crashed over from a metre out. Half time 24-20 Novos.

Just before Ashington could get back to full stregth Jim told me Jonny Ward scored a try convereted by Dan Bollado. I have no idea how as I dont remember it (a theme that would continue after the Presidents Supper later that night) 31-20 Novos.

After 66 mins Rob Squire got hold of an Ashington pass to put Dan Bollado in again, converted again. Running away with it was the cry - 38-20.

In the past I remember Ashington would fight back at this point - literally. However, on this day they let their rugby do the talking and really put the squeeze on. They scored two tries in quick succession to make the score 38-32 Novos with five mins to play.

We were under loads of pressure and all it would have taken was a missed tackle and the game could have been lost. We did however manage to hang on for a bonus point win.

Their were several good performances in the back but special mention could go to Louis Whitworth and Gav Evans for putting in some massive hits. The back row had a real good balance to it and in the backs Dan Bollado and Rob Squire looked a very good combination. The opposition singled out Rob Squire as their man of the match.

It was a cracking game of rugby and Ashington thoroughly deserved to take two losing points from the match. I was really impressed that they have broken free from the traditional rugby they used to play and now look like the can score from long range.

Their hospitality was as good as their play and we had a great afternoon of rugby and catching up with some old friends.

The win moved us into 3rd position and only 6 pts behind the two front runners. Will the Hartlepool result come back to haunt us ?

Training as normal this week - trainers and boots please. It is hoped Graham will be present on Tuesday to help out... with Tane there on Thursday.

We have no league fixture next week but there is the small matter of the English vs Exiles match. Who will take the trophy ? Coops has guaranteed an English win if he refs ! Wonder if Tane fancies a run out to help him get over his injury ?

Saturday was a great day for the club, five senior teams out and only one defeat. Our club is contradicting the general down turn in playing numbers. Long may this continue as we strive to make Novos "Possibly the best amateur club in the North East"

Mags